College of Food, University College Birmingham wins coveted Nestle Toque d'Or

College of Food, University College Birmingham has won the coveted 2011 Nestlé Toque d'Or student catering competition.

The announcement, made at an awards ceremony at London's Dorchester today, followed a cook-off between College of Food, University College Birmingham, Blackpool & The Fylde College, Belfast Metropolitan College, Grimsby Institute of Further Education and the Colchester Institute at the grand finals at the BBC Good Food Show.

TV chef James Tanner, chairman of judges and joint chef-proprietor of Tanners Restaurant in Plymouth, said; "I want to congratulate College of Food, University College Birmingham once again. The entire team really rose to the occasion at the BBC Good Food Show in the grand finals.

"I think it is incredibly easy to forget how young the individuals competing are and the phenomenal journey they have been on. It is a real test of skill, imagination, passion and commitment and what they manage to achieve is often nothing short of exceptional. I am privileged to be part of the competition and recognise the pivotal role it plays in developing the future of hospitality talent."

Nestlé Professional managing director, Neil Stephens, also congratulated the teams that took part. "I said at the beginning of the competition that the standard of entries this year had already surpassed that of previous years and how true that was. College of Food, University College Birmingham and all the finalists have shown strength of character and skill beyond their years.

"Nestlé Toque d'Or is more than a competition, it is experiential learning. It is a lifetime's experience in one competition and provides a gateway to industry and an exceptional unparalleled journey. For example, our grand finalists have taken part in an army-style cook-off challenge - which pushed boundaries and required the teams to create and serve a three-course meal in 'field' conditions - as well as taking the City and Guilds Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or accreditation for Nutrition, Health and Wellness, which they all passed.

"It is our responsibility as an industry to find ways to encourage and nurture tomorrow's talent and Nestlé Toque d'Or is a great example of this. We look forward to celebrating the next generation of food service professionals."

The winning team comprised Natasha Creamer, Kanokrawee Crofts, Matthew Devlin, Ellen Bailey, Bharat Pattni and Adam Finney.

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By Amanda Afiya

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