Kirklees College Hospitality and Catering student David competed in the semi-finals of the Nestlé Torque d’Or® Competition, making Kirklees College one of the first colleges in Huddersfield to make it this far since the start of the competition, 34 years ago.
Nestlé Professional’s Toque d’Or®, launched in 1989, was born out of a passion for excellence, to inspire the next generation and to provide opportunities to further their knowledge in the hospitality industry.
This prestigious hospitality competition aims to educate and test college students and apprentices in both practical, service-based and business-focused tasks. With a focus on providing up-to-the-minute industry expertise and experience, entrants learn key skills in areas such as social media promotion, business management and sustainable food and drink.
Not only do these challenges provide valuable hands-on experience but they offer the opportunity to work with and learn from leading industry experts and businesses judging the tasks.
Just 20 chefs from 4,000 applications made it through to the heats and the last 20 students competed in the semi-finals last week in London. The competition brief for the semi-finals required students to create a vegan and vegetarian meal from limited ingredients, with just one hour and forty minutes to achieve this. Entrants then needed to work with the front of house team to pair the dessert with a drink and serve it to the judges. David chose to produce a Caramelised Cauliflower Steak and Pear Tarte Tatin with Chantilly Cream.
The winner of the competition will receive a trophy, media coverage, a place in Nestle’s Toque d’Or® Hall of Fame and a trip to Abu Dhabi to attend a networking conference with some reputable names in the industry.
Speaking about his experience, David said:
“You never know what opportunities could arise if you are brave and bold enough to enter a competition like this. I gave it my all and I am really proud of the dishes that I put together. If you have a passion for cooking and hospitality, this is a dream come true and I would recommend it to anyone.”
For more information about our Hospitality and Catering courses, visit: Hospitality & Catering – Kirklees College
