Students Win Silver In ‘Golden Hat’ Competition

Photo: (Left) Jean Wan and Janine Grace competing at the Nestlé Toque d’Or.

MEDIA RELEASE
4 September 2007

Students achieve silver in ‘golden hat’ competition

Two culinary students from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) have taken out silver medals at this year’s 17th Nestle© Toque d’Or competition – the country’s top hospitality competition.

Janine Grace and Jean Wan went head-to-head with 33 other hospitality students from around the country to win their silver medals at yesterday’s event [3 September], which was held at Auckland’s Logan Campbell Centre. Restaurant service student Michael Thomasen who formed part of the AUT competing team achieved a silver medal in the same event.

Janine was also selected during the event to become a junior member of the New Zealand Culinary Team (NZCT).

Nestle© FoodServices Business Development Manager, Phillip Townsend, said she has some exciting challenges ahead of her, with training starting in six weeks and the first international event set to take place in 2009.

“The NZCT comprises a number of the nation’s top chefs, and is coached and guided by some of our most experienced industry professionals.

“In May, the team competed at the prestigious American Culinary Classic in Chicago, winning three bronze medals. They also have their sights set on other international cooking events including ScotHot in Scotland in 2009 and the Singapore FHA Culinary Challenge in 2010.

“To become part of the team is a fantastic opportunity for any young chef looking to make their mark in the industry.”

Nestle© Toque d’Or event organiser, Pip Duncan, said the event was a challenging one, requiring students to prepare and serve six courses of a three-course within two-and-a-half hours.

“It’s a demanding competition,” Pip said.

“Students were judged on preparation, hygiene, presentation, taste and service, and had to meet strict time deadlines for each course.

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

Nestle© Toque d’Or is the country’s longest running and most prestigious student cookery and food service competition. It is held in 17 countries around the world and has launched the careers of world-famous chefs, including Jamie Oliver and Anton Mosimann. The competition is designed to simulate the pressure of a real working team environment, overseen by industry-wide experienced judges who are hard to impress.

Pip said the 12 competing teams were this year judged by an impressive line up of judges drawn from throughout the country, including Mark Wylie of Auckland’s Soul Bar and Bistro, and Anita Sarginson of Flying Burrito Brothers.

“The judges are not an easy bunch to impress, but once again the students surprised the panel this year with the professional and creative menus they developed,” Pip said.

Sponsors of this year’s 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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