WIRRAL CHEFS SHINE 2009: Emma Wombwell hopes for seconds

May 6 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

Emma hopes for seconds

EMMA Wombwell tasted success in last year’s Wirral Chefs Shine – and she’s hungry for more!

The 25-year-old is our first finalist in the competition this year and is bidding to become the first chef to win two years in a row.

Emma, head chef at the Wheatsheaf Inn’s Cowshed Restaurant, in Raby, is sticking to her philosophy that diners should be encouraged to test their tastebuds with new foods.

Last year diners were treated to beetroot and smoked eel salad – and this time she plans to serve up an offal faggot.

The menu also includes sea trout, Ness lamb cutlets, spring vegetable bubble and squeak and three miniature rhubarb desserts.

Emma, 25 from Neston, said: “I’m a young head chef and winning Chefs Shine has given me a lot of confidence in what I’m doing.

“I haven’t changed anything and I’ve stuck to my guns. It worked last time so it would be stupid for me to change.

“I’m going along the lines of traditional dishes that the older generation might recognise. People will either think ‘ooh what’s that?’ or ‘ugh faggots’!”

Emma is now working under new owners Phil and Kelly Davies, who recently bought the Wheatsheaf from previous owner Wes Charlesworth.

But her kitchen team remains unchanged from last year’s competition and she is still working closely with her partner Mike Shand-Davies, who she met on her first day at catering colege in Plymouth.

Emma said: “I’d be surprised if I won this year because no-one’s ever won twice. Don’t get me wrong, it would be lovely if I won but I’d probably faint!”

Wirral Chefs Shine 2009 at the Cowshed Restaurant, the Wheatsheaf, Raby Mere Road, Raby, is on the evening of Tuesday, May 19. The cost of the meal is £14.95. To book call the restaurant on 336 3416.

Wirral Chefs Shine 2009 is supported by Wirral Council, the Mersey Partnership, Wirral Met College and Liverpool Community College.