A Pincher Creek teen is serving up gold medal worthy meals on his way to the national stage.
16 year-old Caelan Taylor has earned a spot in a national competition representing team Alberta.
“I competed at the regional competition back in April and I earned a gold medal there,” said Taylor. “So I went up to the provincial competition in Edmonton May 14-15, and qualified for a gold medal there.”
For this Pincher Creek teen, cooking is not just a life skill, it’s a passion he’s had since he was a young child, and he dreams of becoming a Red Seal certified chef one day.
“Since I was about five I’ve had a passion for cooking,” explained Taylor. “To become a Red Seal chef is the plan, then probably University of Calgary to further that.”
But it doesn’t stop there. He’s hoping to cook up another gold at the Skills Canada National Competition in Toronto.
“I think as far as the culinary skills, he’s got a pretty good chance. As good a chance as anybody else there to reach that podium,” said Chef Ian Robertson, Taylor’s instructor at Matthew Halton High School.
Come June 3, both his skills, and hundreds of hours spent behind the knife get put to the test.
“Like Top Chef Canada, Master Chef, and you see the competitors are frantic, running around. That’s exactly what it’s like at these competitions,” explained Taylor. “It takes a lot of work, over 100 hours for sure, easily.”
But while he’s ready to serve up another win there’s one more ingredient he has to conquer. Taylor must fundraise $1,600 before May 30 in order to attend the competition.
To help his cause, contact Robertson at Matthew Halton High School, 403-627-4414, or by e-mail at robertsoni@lrsd.ab.ca
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