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Kilmarnock College girls' recipe for success

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Kilmarnock College girls' recipe for success

Written by Alistair Nicol
Monday, 26 February 2007
A team of student chefs from Kilmarnock College followed in the footsteps of Jamie Oliver and James Martin when they put their skills to the test in the prestigious Toque dï¿½Or Catering College of the Year competition last week (Wednesday, Feb 21). And they are hoping their efforts impressed the judges enough to take them through to the UK finals for the second year running and the chance of winning a dream trip to the USA. The all-girl team of students consisted of Kilmarnock girls Kerri McDowne and Yolande Van Heerden, Maureen Brown from Stevenson, Carly Mulholland from Kilwinning, Anne Marie Diamond from Irvine, and Seonaidh Oï¿½Donnell from Prestwick. The Kilmarnock team was only one of 12 teams chosen to compete in the regional finals from an original entry of more than 60 colleges and the girls have their sights set on the Grand Finals in Birmingham in April. Last weekï¿½s event saw the girls work together to create and design the theme of a unique ï¿½place to eatï¿½ and perform as a six-strong team to bring the whole concept to life in front of the team of judges. The main task of the day was to prepare and serve a three-course lunchtime menu for 30 invited diners. Tutor Stephen Elby said: ï¿½To be chosen to compete in the regional final is already a great feather in their caps and it would be fantastic if we could make it to the UK finals again. The team had to create a theme board to show off their concept and explain how the themed restaurant ï¿½ Velos Rooftop Restaurant ï¿½ would turn their creative ideas into a real-life experience ï¿½The girls, all final year SVQ Level 3 Professional Cookery students, then had three hours to prepare, cook and serve the dishes to the invited guests. It was a real challenge but I believe they performed wonderfully well in the heat of the kitchen!ï¿½ The competition, sponsored by Nestle, is one of the worldï¿½s leading college catering competitions with events held in countries as far afield as Brazil and New Zealand. Previous competitors in the Toque dï¿½Or competition include celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver, Anton Mossiman and James Martin, host of Saturday Kitchen live on BBC. Only four out of the 12 UK college teams chosen to compete will secure a place in the grand finals which will take place later in Birmingham from April 24 - 27, and Kilmarnock College have high hopes of being there. The Kilmarnock College menu consisted of cream of potato and spinach soup with a twice baked goats cheese and sun-blush tomato soufflï¿½, a main course of corn-fed breast of chicken with a porcini duxelle, panchetta mash and tapenade while dessert consisted of pancakes served with pouring sauces, fresh fruit salad and raspberry tower. Student Kerri McGowne said: ï¿½The competition is a great experience and success brings the chance to make a valuable addition to our CVs. Working under pressure in a real life situation is what the restaurant business is all about and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. I hope we have impressed the judges enough to make the final four.ï¿½ Martin Lines, marketing director, Nestlï¿½ FoodServices commented: ï¿½The competition is designed to test the students in all aspects of running a restaurant, and is judged on creativity, team work, culinary expertise, front-of-house service, organisation and business acumen. Martin added: ï¿½The heart of the Nestlï¿½ Toque dï¿½Or lies in bringing on the chefs of tomorrow, giving insight into the workings of a commercial kitchen, regular access to chefs outside of the college and rewarding students for their achievements. Students at catering college represent the future of our industry and we want to nurture and bring on that talent.ï¿½ï¿½The opportunities that winning this accolade bring - once out in the wide world of work - are unparalleled and consequently the competition is fierce, passionate and represents an emotional journey as well as sharp learning curve. Above all we aim to inspire our youngsters whilst giving their career a helping hand.ï¿½ The team of judges, consisting of respected chefs Bert Good, Tony Robertson and Martin Webster will complete their judging tour of the UK by March 9, when the four grand finalist teams will be announced. These teams will go on to compete for a coveted place on the study tour of a lifetime to the internationally acclaimed Johnson & Wales University in North Carolina, USA. In addition, the winning teamï¿½s college and each of the three runners-up will receive catering equipment for their college too. Donï¿½t forget you can sample top class food at the Gallery Restaurant at Kilmarnock College which is open Tuesday to Friday when the students serve three-course lunches for just ï¿½5. Tel, 01563 523501, Ext 4119 for bookings. For more details about Professional Cookery courses available at Kilmarnock College please call 0800 389 6817 or visit the website at www.kilmarnock.ac.uk END Issued on behalf of Kilmarnock College by Alistair Nicol PR & Design, The Stable Block, 26 Wellington Square, Ayr KA7 1HH. Tel: 01292 287492 Mobile: 07810673994. Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these?

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