Students set to depart for national culinary comp

MEDIA RELEASE
27 August 07

Local students set to depart for national culinary competition

Three hospitality students from the Auckland University of Technology are putting the finishing touches to their menus as they prepare to compete in this year’s 17th Nestlé Toque d’Or competition in Auckland.

Culinary students Briar Smith, Jean Wan and restaurant service student Michael Thomasen will compete for the coveted Nestlé Toque d’Or or ‘golden hat’ award next week (3 September), along with 42 other hospitality students from around the country.

Event organiser Pip Duncan said the event which will be held at Auckland’s Logan Campbell Centre will see competing students preparing six covers of a three-course meal within two-and-a-half hours.

“It’s no easy feat,” Pip said.

“Students are judged on preparation, hygiene, presentation, taste and service, and must meet strict time deadlines for each course.

“Menus must also be prepared and are judged on the use of correct terminology and recipe development.”

She said the 12 competing teams will be judged by an impressive line up of judges drawn from throughout the country, from SkyCity’s Warren Bias and Anita Sarginson of Flying Burrito Brothers.”

As well as walking away from the competition with a medal recognising their achievements, many competitors could also leave with job offers from the nation’s top restaurants.

And, for the first time this year, a student will be selected to become a member of the New Zealand Culinary Team.

“The Team comprises a number of the nation’s top chefs, and is coached and guided by some of our most experienced industry professionals. They regularly compete overseas and recently took out three bronze medals at the prestigious American Culinary Classic in Chicago.”

“The judges are not an easy bunch to impress, but each year students surprise the panel with the professional and creative menus they develop,” Pip said.

“We’re all looking forward to seeing what the students can do this year.”

Sponsors of this year’s Nestlé Toque d’Or event include primary sponsor Nestlé FoodServices, and additional sponsors PERRIER, NZ Beef and Lamb Bureau, Akaroa Salmon, vegetables.co.nz and House of Knives.

ENDS

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