CATERER EATS OUT
EventsExcellence in Food and Drink Awards: The Winners(01 December 2005 00:00)The huge variety of global cuisines available to diners in the UK was in evidence at this year's Caterer Group Excellence in Food and Drink Awards, run in association with 3663 First for Foodservice, writes Matthew Batham. Products invoking flavours of France, Morocco, the USA and Japan were among the hundreds scrutinised and tasted by our panel of judges, made up of chefs, operators and product development experts. But it was a real coup for British fare - and proof the traditional British recipes can hold their own against contemporary offerings - when our panel selected The Great British Pudding Company Steak, Mushroom and Ale Pudding from Central Foods as the Gold Award winner. There were 16 categories in all, and the winners were announced at an awards lunch held at London's Dorchester hotel. Article continues below
Accompaniments and Ingredients Shortlisted Swahili food has been influenced by several exotic cuisines, including Arabian, African and Asian. Swahili Paste from Steng Ingredients reflects this history in its rich and vibrant flavours. It can be used as a marinade or sauce base and all ingredients are natural and traceable. Our judges said the product looked natural and authentic. Bakery and Sandwiches Shortlisted Made using French flour, the Butter Brioche Loaf from Delifrance UK is supplied part-baked in outers of six, aimed at caterers with limited freezer space. It can be used to make bread puddings, toasted, sliced and filled for a sweet or savoury snack and was described by judges as an excellent product. Cheese, Dairy and Milk Shortlisted Pilgrims Choice Vintage Extra Mature Cheddar impressed the judges with its "distinctive taste" and "beautiful appearance". Sourced by North Downs Dairies, the cheese is matured naturally for about 12 months to create its strong flavour. Desserts and Puddings Shortlisted The product is made in France to a traditional recipe using cream, egg yolks and Madagascan vanilla beans. Healthy and Ethical Products - Savoury Shortlisted Bali Duo is a blend of easy-cook long grain rice and pearls of 100% durum wheat pasta, which cook together in eight minutes. A yield of about 115g of cooked product from 50g dry weight makes it particularly suitable for schools, hospitals and other cost-sector meal providers. Judges commented on how versatile the product was and said its softer texture would appeal to children. Healthy and Ethical Products - Sweet Shortlisted RDA claims to produce the only 100% fresh, pure, organic range of juices and smoothies in the UK. Each bottle provides the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C and contains the juice from the recommended daily intake of fruit. As with all products in the RDA range, Passionfruit, Grape and Orange Juice is also free from additives and preservatives. Judges described the drink as "a delicious, brilliant product with great flavours". Hot Beverages Shortlisted Judges picked two distinctly different products as winners in this category. Drink Me Chai Latte is a speciality tea infused with cinnamon, ginger and cloves and blended with milk. The recipe is inspired by an American trend, which has seen the traditional Indian drink Westernised. Marlow Espresso from Coffeehouse is based on carefully selected regional coffees, offering an end-product that has none of the harsh, acidic undertones associated with poor-quality roasts and beans. Impulse Snacking, Confectionery and Food on the Go Shortlisted More than 100 million Alpen Bars were eaten in the UK last year, with the number sold through food service outlets continuing to grow. Key growth markets include education and business and industry. Varieties in the range include Fruit & Nut, Strawberry with Yoghurt and Apple & Blackberry with Yoghurt. Innovation Award Shortlisted Maggi Mash Machine from Nestlé Foodservice serves six flavours of hot potato snacks at the touch of a button in convenient pots. The device is ideal for those caterers wanting to offer a healthier food-on-the-go alternative to chips and conventional snack foods. Kids' Healthy Options Meals Shortlisted Kids' Snacks and Drinks Shortlisted Simpsons Squishee is a slush drink, designed to be dispensed on the premises and produced in partnership with 20th Century Fox's hugely successful animated TV series. The drink comes in two flavours, Orange Overload and Strawberry Splurge, both aimed primarily at children aged between seven and 14. The drink contains real fruit juice and is fortified with vitamins. Meat, Game, Poultry and Fish Shortlisted Brakes Premier Craft Guild of Chefs Salmon and Cod Tartare Fishcake was already a winning recipe, having been selected as the top product in the Brakes Seafood Challenge 2005, run in conjunction with the Craft Guild of Chefs. The recipe was created by chef Omero Gallucci of the Cumberland hotel, London and combines Scottish salmon with North Atlantic cod and the traditional ingredients of tartare sauce. The recipe also includes Charlotte potatoes, gherkins, capers and Ready Meals - Main Courses Shortlisted Judges couldn't fault Central Foods' Steak, Mushroom and Ale Pudding which comprises pieces of steak in a rich ale and mushroom gravy encased in suet pastry. Each 370g portion is fully baked and can be reheated from frozen in the microwave. A case size of eight puddings is designed for caterers with limited freezer space. Ready meals - Starters Highly Commended Shortlisted Moroccan-style Chickpea is one of the latest additions to the Knorr 100% soup range. The recipe, which is inspired by North African cuisine, is tomato-based with chickpeas spiced with tumeric, cumin, cayenne pepper and a hint of coriander. The soup can be stored at ambient temperature and can be oven-heated. Highly commended in this category were Maryland Crab Cakes from Sea Products International. Soft Drinks Shortlisted "Very refreshing" was the judges' description of Twinings Green Tea and Lemon Iced Tea. The product is part of a range of six fruit-based flavours packed in 400ml re-sealable PET bottles for drinking on the go. Iced tea is worth some £10m in the out-of-home market as consumers continue to opt for healthier, non-carbonated soft drinks. Vegetarian Shortlisted Sponsor's message Des Bell, Director of Marketing, 3663 comments, "We have been delighted to support the Excellence Awards since their inception three years ago. The awards have grown rapidly with another year of success and a record number of entries. From the perspective of 3663 as the ongoing sole sponsor, it has been a rewarding experience to be actively involved with the event and to lend support to the strive for distinction in the industry." Des continues: "The overwhelming response of this year's awards has made it clear that the industry is collectively keen on development, quality and variety. 3663 is committed to the provision of excellence, both in the products we source and the customer service we sustain. This year's event has brought together an increased number of manufacturers and distributors in its pursuit of excellence across all sectors of the industry. Our continued support of the awards signifies our dedication to quality and the overall growth of the food service industry. We are delighted to congratulate the winners on their success."
Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper |
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