We can vouch for the benefits of cooking competitions

I'm a member of the Westminster Kingsway team which won last year's Nestlé Toque d'Or, and as our reign comes to an end I'd like to share a few thoughts on our experience.

First, thank goodness Nestlé Foodservices has continued to run the competition for the past 18 years. My team mates and I have benefited greatly from the experience of the competition.

Having attended the Chef Conference last year, where one of the subjects discussed by the panel of judges was the pros and cons of culinary competitions, I can personally vouch for the massive benefits of taking part in such competitions. We've also been exposed to organisations and people I'm sure we would never otherwise have met. Important figures within our industry have embraced
us and encouraged us to aim high.

Finally, our team was very fortunate to have the support of those at Westminster Kingsway College, not least Bob Brown, who guided us and accompanied us around the country and instilled in us the importance of thoroughness, precision and timing - all of which we used throughout the competition. We warmly thank everyone involved.

As our year as the Nestlé Toque d'Or 2005 Champions comes to an end we look back fondly on the experience. We would like to wish those competing this year all the best for the months ahead.

Esher Williams
On behalf of the Westminster Kingsway College Team

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