Young Chefs cook-up Success (01/03/2010)

A group of student chefs proved they are kings of the kitchen when they won their way through to the national finals of a prestigious competition. The team, all studying at the College of West Anglia, impressed the judges of the annual Nestlé Toque d’or competition to secure a place at the national finals which will be held at The Good Food Show in Birmingham. The judges arrived at the King’s Lynn campus on Friday (26) when the students had to create a fantastic meal and dress the restaurant for the event. It is the first time the college has entered the competition and both students and staff are thrilled to have made the finals.

“It was a huge amount of hard work and the team really put all their effort into the competition – we are delighted to have been chosen for the national final and are all looking forward to repeating our success in Birmingham,” said lecturer Alex Harrison.

As part of their preparation for the finals in June, the students will be teamed-up with a mentor from the world of celebrity chefs – although it’s not clear at this stage who they will be paired with.

“We don’t know yet who it will be – but it will be fantastic to work with them and it’s something we are all looking forward to,” said Mr Harrison.

If the college’s students are successful in the final their prize will include a two week trip abroad and the recreation of a conference dining area designed by them as part of the qualifying process.

The students; Thomas Woolnough, Sheridan Clowes, Lewis Punter, all from Wisbech, Claire Collison, of King’s Lynn, Jodie Copeman, of Castle Acre, and Faye Bennett, of St Germans, were kitted-out for the event with uniforms for both the chefs and front of house staff provided by the competition organisers.

Pictured, from left: Tom Woolnough, Jodie Copeman, Sheridan Clowes, Claire Collison, Lewis Punter and Faye Bennett.