We chatted to TASTE Bursary winner Joy Mavi about the exciting experiences of the past year, from training with Silwood Cookery School to top-class catering in Hull in the UK...

Q: When did you discover your love of cooking?
A: During home economics lessons at high school. But, really, I always wanted to be chef.

Q: Describe the feeling when it was announced that you had won the Woolworths Bursary.
A: I couldn’t believe it. I was shocked and surprised at the same time. I kept on pinching myself to see if I was dreaming…

Q: Tell us about your experience thus far at the highly acclaimed Silwood Cookery School.
A: Silwood’s great; I’ve really learnt so much, particularly about sourcing, pricing, storing and transporting ingredients. The experience has opened so many doors for me.

Q: You recently participated in a programme of events that included a celebration feast to mark the end of the Clipper Round the World Race in Hull in the United Kingdom. What did you cook?
A: For the starter, we made a lobster cocktail with vodka mayonnaise and fennel salad, followed by cured salmon, carrot and cream-cheese purée with crab quenelle and carrot salad. Next was the rack of lamb with sunfire (sea asparagus), wilted vegetables, fondant potatoes and jus and then a selection of local cheeses partnered with seasonal fruits, nuts and honey.

Q: Any sightseeing opportunities, or was it all strictly business?
A: I did have a chance to visit The Deep, an aquarium in Hull, a city once known for its robust fishing industry. Now, sadly however, the waters have been completely over-fished - it really opened my eyes to the reality of the food we buy and our responsibilities to the next generation.

Q: Describe your own taste in food.
A: I incline towards simple, flavoursome food, healthy and heart-warming.

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Apply for the Woolworths TASTE bursary and become a chef

Our interview with Joy just after winning the TASTE bursary