Published: Thursday, 5th June, 2008 8:05am

Emily tastes success

AN EAST Linton woman who battled dyslexia to become an award-winning commis chef experienced her first taste of success while taking part in a renowned French cooking competition.

Talented Emily Rolph, 21, of Kingsburgh Gardens, and three other cookery students, from Jewel & Esk Valley College in Edinburgh, took part in the famous Academie Culinaire de France competition, in Paris.

The foursome were the only non-French team to compete in the competition and were awarded a Diplome D"Honneur - a certificate of commendation - in recognition of their efforts.

They prepared a delicious two-course meal - a tower of sea bream with tomato salsa on a chive and garlic polenta base and a saffron base, followed by a flambéed dessert - to impress the judges.

Their success marked a personal triumph for Emily, who first became involved in the college"s Foundation course in Professional Cookery through Skillpower, a vocational course to aid young people in acquiring qualifications for either further education or employment.

'I wasn"t sure at that stage what I wanted to do with my life so I did the Foundation course (in 2004) and I haven"t looked back really,' said the former pupil of Knox Academy in Haddington.

'I"ve now just finished my Level Three Professional Cookery which equips me for work as a commis - or trainee - chef.'

Curriculum leader Ron McGilp said: 'Emily and the team did tremendously well and it was a great experience for them.

'The Academie Culinaire de France is world renowned as the oldest association of Chefs de Cuisine, and most would say the best.

'To be presented with a Diplome D"Honneur by this organisation is no mean feat!'