The chosen five for Nestle Toque D'or

Carlisle team

The five finalist teams for Nestlé Toque d'Or 2009 have been announced.

North Devon College, Blackpool & the Fylde College, Sussex Downs College, Belfast Metropolitan College and City of Bristol College will battle it out for the coveted title of Champions at the Grand Finals, to be held at this year's BBC Good Food Show at Birmingham NEC on 10 - 14 June.

The teams will face the ultimate challenge of preparing and serving a three-course lunch to 100 paying diners at their unique 'place to eat' under the watchful eyes of the professional judging panel. 

Having made it through the initial paper-judging round, the top 16 colleges from across the UK undertook selection heats in their own college kitchens to bring their own unique restaurant concept to life, delivering a winning combination of culinary talent and exceptional service.

Each team was faced with the challenge of preparing and serving their three-course meal, on time and to perfection to impress the panel of judges to mark their score cards and award the chosen five with places in the final.

Tony Robertson, chairman of judges, commended the standard of entries and emphasised the exceptional talent that was evident across the heats: "The standards we have seen in this year's heats have been exceptionally high.  All the teams demonstrated a clear understanding of what was required from them and rose to the challenge on the day. 

"Students have not only shown real passion and dedication, but also an astonishingly high level of creativity and business sense, incorporating key industry trends such as local sourcing ingredients.  We are looking for that wow factor in the kitchen – some sizzle and atmosphere and that is what we have seen here.  The Grand Finals promise to be a truly exciting event."

David Field, managing director, Nestlé Professional, continued: "Students this year have had to put their creative culinary talent and business acumen to the fore to make their restaurant concept work in the reality of the tough economic climate.  The five finalist teams have really taken this on board; during the heats, they have excelled in bringing their innovative menus to life with passion, professionalism and flair.

"Working in hospitality presents great challenges and the Nestlé Toque d'Or experience can prove invaluable in contributing to the learning experience.  It's the only event of its kind offering support, mentoring and guidance as entrants begin the transition from the theory of the college classroom to the reality of a competitive commercial kitchen.  It's all about tasting the future and we look forward to experiencing the industry's brightest emerging talent."

Words: Maria Bracken

« Back to previous page