CPIT wins Toque d’Or Supreme Award

CPIT wins Toque d’Or Supreme Award

CPIT's School of Food and Hospitality won the 2010 Nestlé Toque d'Or culinary competition at the New Zealand Culinary Fare in Auckland last night.

“We are so proud of our students Bonnie Smith, Rhys Barrington, Gavin Larson, Sanjay Prajapati and Christine Mallinson. The Toque d’Or competition is one of the most prestige events on the culinary calendar. It gives young, up-and-coming talent the opportunity to really shine in front of their peers as well as a gruelling panel of expert judges," says Karen Te Puke, Head of the School of Food and hospitality.

CPIT’s Toque d’Or team was supported in Auckland and trained prior to the event by School of Food & Hospitality staff members Stan Tawa, Cheryl Stokes and Marcus Braun. The team won Gold in Front of House, Gold in Kitchen and took the overall Supreme ‘Golden Hat’ trophy.

As New Zealand’s premier cookery and food service competition, the Nestlé Toque d’Or is a very challenging contest.  Every year, students from training institutions across New Zealand battle it out in pursuit of the ‘Golden Hat’ trophy.

Each team is tasked with preparing six covers of a three-course menu. Three are served for judging and three for invited guests. All aspects are scrutinized by a panel of 20 judges from throughout New Zealand. This year, the pressure was on for CPIT’s team to retain the winning trophy – and they did.

“The team performed brilliantly! It was a pleasure to watch our students with their professionalism, enthusiasm and energy, producing fantastic food and seamless service," says the restaurant service trainer, Cheryl Stokes.

“Toque d’Or trophy winners and triple gold medal winners are keenly watched by industry,” says Karen Te Puke. “Many of CPIT ‘s previous team members have gone on to become Executive Chefs, Restaurant Managers, and Food & Beverage Managers in Hotels and restaurant throughout New Zealand and at top establishments overseas. There are also some whom have opened their own businesses.”

Toque d’Or is a truly international competition. It is held in 17 countries around the world and is an excellent launching pad for a successful career in the international hospitality industry.

This is the 13th time CPIT has won top honours in the Nestlé Toque d’Or 20-year history in New Zealand, and continues to amaze contestants with its scale and importance.

Bonnie Smith and Rhys Barrington are CPIT Modern Apprentices working at the Millennium Hotel and the Crowne Plaza respectively, Gavin Larson and Christine Mallinson are both studying towards CPIT’s National Diploma in Hospitality Management, and Sanjay Prajapati is a CPIT Professional Cookery student. Both Sanjay and Christine were CPIT’s non-traveling reserves for the competition.

ENDS

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