WKC student scoops top accolade

Liam Kavanagh, professional chef diploma third year student at Westminster Kingsway College (WKC), has scooped the Escoffier Shield Competition, walking away with an all expenses paid trip to the Culinary Institute in New York, courtesy of Angelo Po.

The competition called for four competing students to run the College's Escoffier Room, creating an original menu that would be available throughout the day.

Kavanagh's winning menu included parma ham wrapped loin of rabbit, date chutney, fondant potato, faggot, spring cabbage and spiced jus.

The winning student commented on his achievement: "I can't wait to go to the Culinary Institute in New York; it will be fantastic. I have never been to America before and I would like to thank Angelo Po and Westminster Kingsway for the opportunity."

Nick Bates, research and development chef for Angelo Po, said: "The standard of work shown by the students was excellent.  A particular highlight was the menu choice which showed a culinary maturity for students who are still teenagers."

Runner up Westminster Kingsway students Jack Brown, David Powell and Gemma Giordano were also praised for their innovative menus and standard of work.

James Lui, chef lecturer at Westminster Kingsway, said:  "It is superb to see the work and passion that the students are putting into this. 

"During the competition they were tested on almost all aspects of their training from the three years that they have studied with us including Supervisory Skills, Gastronomy, Food Sourcing, Food Safety, Menu Planning and Menu Composition.  This makes it one of the most intensively scrutinised challenges held by a college and a fantastic opportunity for the students."

Words: Maria Bracken

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