South West College (Dungannon) takes the trophy!

05.06.13

Congratulations to South West College, Winner of NESTLÉ TOQUE D’OR 2013!!

On June 4th we celebrated 25 years of Nestlé Toque d’Or at the Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane London and set a new standard not just for the Toque d’Or awards but for Industry awards. There has never been such an overwhelming response from our guests to the excitement, the drama, the sheer exhilaration and emotion as this year’s 16 Grand Finalists students were celebrated for their skills, commitment, their ambition and their potential.

The winner of the award was revealed by Nestlé Professional Managing Director Neil Stephens and an ecstatic pair of students, Colleen McCaan and Lauren Beavers along with their lecturer Patrick McAnerney from South West College (Dungannon) rushed onto the stage to collect the award and to lift the Toque d’Or trophy into the air. It was a memorable moment that will live for a long time in the minds of the 300 guests.

When asked for their reaction on winning the title, both Colleen and Lauren, clearly overwhelmed by the experience, were speechless.  With tears running down their faces, they eventually said:  "This means so, so much for South West College. Words cannot describe what this means.  This has been the best experience ever for us - an experience not to be missed.  We've learned so much and feel privileged to have been part of Toque d'Or. To be the first college in Ireland to win is just the icing on the cake"

Speaking about the teams' success, South West lecturer Patrick McAnerney said: "As a lecturer your job is to teach your students everything they need to know to become a success in the wider world, but occasionally you'll have a student that can teach you something; in this case two students.  We knew instinctively that Lauren and Colleen were to represent us for the very first time at Toque and we had every faith in their ability. I couldn't be more proud of their achievement.  We knew before Toque d'Or that they both had incredibly bright futures ahead of them and we are delighted that they can now look forward to the support of the industry that Toque d'Or offers as they begin their careers."

On behalf of the Nestlé Toque d’Or team we would like to congratulate the South West College team for this great achievement, it is well deserved.

We are very proud of every team that made it to the Grand Finals and wish them the best of luck for the future. We look forward to seeing many of you next year as well as newcomers to the competition.

NESTLÉ TOQUE D’OR Grand Finals Day 4

13.05.13

Last Day of the NESTLÉ TOQUE D’OR Grand Finals! It’s been an eventful few days and we saved this last day for something different. We started off with an early morning coach drive straight to the 02 in London, where the teams were welcomed at the 02 Arena by AEG and the Levy Restaurants team, who are responsible for the catering. They received a tour of this fantastic venue, followed by a full day’s experience catering for the EUROLEAGUE 2013 Basketball finals in the VIP guest lounges. This was a completely different experience for many of the students and there was great feedback on the students’ performance in this final challenge.

To celebrate the success of the Grand Finals and the students’ hard work they were welcomed to the Nestlé Suite to watch the EUROLEAGUE Basketball Finals along with dinner and drinks. It was a well-deserved celebration for the students, after their incredible commitment and dedication.

On behalf of the Toque d’Or team we would like to congratulate the eight teams for completing the challenges, it has been an incredible journey and we hope you have all enjoyed every moment of it.

We look forward to welcoming the teams and lecturers on June 4th at The Dorchester Hotel, London, for the Grand Final Awards Ceremony.

The front of house students setting up at the Nestlé Suite

Levy Restaurants Challenge dishes

Our Toque d'Or Grand Final Eight teams celebrating the end of the Grand Finals journey!

Congratulations!

NESTLÉ TOQUE D’OR Grand Finals Day 3

11.05.13

Day 3 has quickly arrived after two days of fast-paced challenging activities, yet the students are still full of energy and eager to continue.  The morning kicked off with an interesting insight presentation by Piers Devereux, Insight and Events Lead at Nestlé Professional, on the “Tides of Change” that will have an effect on the hospitality industry and how the QSR (Quick Service Restaurants) are quickly rising. It was educational and food for thought for everyone in the room.

This was followed by the students presenting their business plans in ‘Dragons Den’ style. This was based on their contract-catering concept originally presented in the heats with any additional work, since learning of their place in the Grand Finals.  The judging panel includes James Tanner - Restaurateur, Alison Gilbert HR Director of CH & Co, Geoff Ward Managing Director & EHO (retired) & Stephen Mannock Managing Director Wivenhoe House. The judges were looking for long term strategy, business plan, profitability, marketing plan, menu & food costings, staffing & training, and hygiene and food safety policy.

We wish them the best of luck for the rest of the day, and a special treat awaits for them tonight!

Industry Inisght Presentation with Piers Devereux, Insight and Events Lead at NESTLÉ PROFESSIONAL

Panel of Judges from left to right: Stephen Mannock, James Tanner, Alison Gilbert, and Geoff Ward

South Downs Presentation to the judges

Dinner Treat at L'Ortolan 

Fine Dining Gala Dinner

10.05.13

Following the master class from Alan Murchison, the students put together an incredible fine dining evening for Nestlé Professional senior executives and key industry guests. After much planning and preparing as one team, the eight colleges cooked and served a four course meal with selected wines and champagne based on their learning from the wine and water pairing master class.

The evening as an immense challenge, however the colleges worked together and showed excellent leadership and teamwork skills. The students were recognised in traditional manner for their achievement with a Santé du Chef.

NESTLÉ TOQUE D’OR Grand Finals Day 2

10.05.13

Day 2 has been an exciting surprise for the students and the judges, with a unique new challenge for the Toque d’Or competition. We were delighted to have Alan Murchison join us today and share his knowledge with a morning master class of a menu from one of his 10in8 Group restaurants, L’Ortolan. The 8 teams will have to work together as one team to recreate this menu in the evening for a Fine Dining Gala Dinner hosted by Nestlé Professional Managing Director Neil Stephens for key industry guests.

The challenge will involve leadership, collaboration, creativity, and most importantly an enjoyable activity. The afternoon included a special piece of wine and water pairing, delivered by Food & Wine expert Neil Phillips. This will also include creating a menu and theme to suit the event, with the guidance of designer, Richard Shipley. We have seen great commitment, planning, and overall teamwork.

Now the evening is over to the skilled group of students to deliver a memorable evening. We are very much looking forward to this amazing experience.

Updates to follow!

NESTLÉ TOQUE D’OR Grand Finals Day 1

09.05.13

NESTLÉ TOQUE D’OR Grand Finals Day 1

The top eight Grand Final teams have arrived at Rashleighs, Nestlé Business Centre in Maidenhead the venue for the 2103 25th Anniversary Finals. Day One has now been completed with great enthusiasm and passion!

The students received a master class from our Nestlé Development Chef, Darren Chapman and Tim Futter Development Chef Mövenpick Ice Cream on how to create and develop the Nestlé  Docello desserts and Mövenpick Ice cream for a pub theme. They took on the challenge of creating their own desserts with chosen additional ingredients, all against the clock!!  The eight teams created wonderful desserts and did a fantastic job.

The second challenge of the day was titled “A look in the Mirror,” this was focused on first impressions and how the Toque d’Or students would stand out from the crowd in interviews. This was hosted by Alison Gilbert, Human Resources Director from CH & Co, and her team. The objective was to give the students insight from an employer’s perspective on what impresses them. Each student had the opportunity to attend an interview with one of the CH & Co team, where they put learning into practice.

It has been an inspiring day and the judges are impressed and convinced that we have the cream of the crop competing this year.

An update will follow during tomorrow’s activities.

Master Class by NESTLÉ PROFESSIONAL Chefs

University of Glasgow Team in the dessert challenge

Dessert Challenge

Chairman of Judges James Tanner and Mitchell & Butlers Development Chef Toby Hill

'A look in the Mirror' piece by Alison Gilbert, Human Resources Director at CH & Co.

Congratulations to the Top 8 for Toque d'Or 2013!

26.04.13

Having now added two extra heats to accommodate all colleges wishing to compete in the 25th anniversary NESTLÉ TOQUE D’OR competition, we are now pleased to announce the final top eight teams for 2013.

For some it’s been a long wait, however we are sure it has been worth it. For those not gaining a place thank you for your participation, commitment and enthusiasm through the heat stages of the competition.

We wish all the contestants well and are sure that this will not be the last time we hear the names of the competing students, as their careers are sure to blossom.

The eight Final teams are, in alphabetical order:

Blackpool and the Fylde College
City of Glasgow College
College of West Anglia
Liverpool Community College
South Downs College
South West College
University College Birmingham
University of Derby

Congratulations!

Final heats wrap –up

25.04.13

Teams from Carshalton College, University of West London, West Anglia College and City College Norwich all attempted to gain a place in this year’s Grand Finals in the last rounds of the 2013 heats.
It has been great to see a number of new colleges taking up the challenge and certainly kept the judges on their toes!!

Yet again the standards have been high and the quality of work presented has been very encouraging, demonstrating that the future of our industry will be in good hands.

We will shortly be announcing the 8 finalists to compete in the 2013 Grand Finals!

Penultimate Heat

22.03.2013

We are getting closer to the finals as we complete our heat at City of Bath College. The judges recognised and saw much enthusiasm and talent; however, following this closely matched heat the rolling top 8 remain the same. We will continue to our last heat in London before announcing the concluding Top 8 who will go on to the 2013 Toque d’Or Finals! Well done to all the teams to have participated so far and keep following our website for updates.

The current top 8 finalists are as follow in alphabetical order:

Blackpool and the Fylde College

Liverpool Community College

South Downs College Team 1

South West College Team

Shrewsbury College Team1

University College Birmingham

University of Derby

STOP PRESS Heats extended

06/03/2013

We have extended the competition and its closing date to allow for 3 additional heats, ensuring that all the teams wishing to enter in the 2013 Nestlé Toque d’Or competition have the opportunity to participate.  The first planned and fully subscribed additional heat will take place on the 20^th March with two more to follow.  We will be contacting the remaining teams to ensure their place in the 2013 heats. Thank you to all the colleges and teams entering and contributing to the success of the Nestlé Toque d’Or 25^th Anniversary competition.  

Scottish Heat Results

05/03/13

The judges have now completed their marking and verified the results from the Scottish heat and are delighted to welcome City of Glasgow College into the current top 8 colleges. Thank you to our Scottish teams for entering whole heartedly into the competition. Commiserations to team 2 from South Downs College as they move off the leader board.The heats contin

The current top 8 finalists are as follow in alphabetical order:

Blackpool and the Fylde College

City of Glasgow College

Liverpool Community College

South Downs College Team 1

South West College Team

Shrewsbury College Team1

University College Birmingham

University of Derby

Further updates will be added as the results unfold.

Heat 3 & 4 - Leader board update

01/03/2013

The judges have now completed heats 3 and 4 and have been impressed by the commitment and dedication of the teams, to the Toque d’Or challenge. They have also commented on the wide variety of understanding from the students, of the role of contract caterers within the food service industry. Those students who have carried out research now know that the service provide by these caterers is much more than just a restaurant service. Contract catering is both challenging and rewarding, operating in the widest spectrum of situations.  

From heats 3 and 4, two teams have moved on to the leader board. Congratulations to both Liverpool Community College and to Blackpool and the Fylde College for moving into the top 8.

If you haven’t gained a place in the top 8 we would like to thank the lecturers for their guidance and support of those teams and the students  for stepping up to the challenge. You have all done a great job and given your best. Follow the progress of the competition & the Nestlé Toque d’Or program through the website. Remember you have chosen one of the most exciting and challenging careers. We would also like to encourage you to register for Toque d’Or when the 2014 registration is open.

 The current top 8 finalists are as follow in alphabetical order:

Blackpool and the Fylde College

Liverpool Community College

South Downs College Team 1

South Downs College Team 2

South West College Team

Shrewsbury College Team1

University College Birmingham

University of Derby

Heat 4...........

28/02/13

Our Judges have arrived in Sheffield for the next heat of the 2013 Nestlé Toque d’Or competition.  With contract catering at the heart of this year’s challenge, it has been enlightening to witness & experience the different levels of understanding demonstrated by the students as to how they believe contract caterer’s works.  

Toque d’Or presents a “twist” to the competition each year and 2013 has been no exception. Let’s see how the teams present in Sheffield and the forthcoming heats.

The judges prepare for heat 3

26/02/2013

Our judges are assembling ready for the the heat being held at Blackpool & the Fylde College on the 27th Feb. Four teams will attempt to gain their place on the leader board of 8 teams.   Will any of these 4 teams finally go forward to the Grand Finals in May? Follow the new here on the Toque d'Or website. Read more tomorrow to keep updated. 

The gas has turned up on the heats...rolling Top 8 teams!

20/02/13

With two heats now completed of the 2013 programme we are delighted to publish the current top 8 colleges, in alphabetical order only. These colleges have received the highest scores from the many disciplines that go to make the Nestlé Toque d’Or a unique competition. At this point we would also like to thank all the colleges and the students  that have participated so far, you have all done a great job and given your best. If you haven’t gained a place in the top 8 please follow the progress of the competition through the website and remember you have chosen one of the most exciting and challenging careers that can be rewarding in many different ways. We would like to encourage you to register when the 2014 registration is open.

 The current top 8 finalists are as follow in alphabetical order:

• South Downs College Team 1
• South Downs College Team 2
• South West College Team
• Shrewsbury College Team1
• Shrewsbury College Team2
• Towers & Sixth Form College Team 3
• University College Birmingham
• University of Derby

Congratulations! We will continue to update the website as the heats continue

“TAKE ONE” THE LAUNCH OF WORK PLACEMENT INITIATIVE

07/03/13

The Nestlé Toque d’Or® “Take One” initiative, is designed to encourage entry into the workplace for the students who enter the Nestlé Toque d’Or® 2013 competition. The initiative is open to all students who enter the 2013 competition – regardless of whether they reach the finals.  As an added incentive, those eight teams that do reach the finals will be offered a week-long paid placement with contract caterer, CH&Co.

Neil Stephens, Managing Director of Nestlé Professional® said:  “We know that the industry already recognises Nestlé Toque d’Or® as a mark of the very highest standards.  Our ambition through Nestlé Toque d’Or® “Take One” is to create an opportunity for the industry to benefit from the very best of the country’s catering colleges and in doing so, give the next generation a helping hand as they look to begin their careers. It really couldn’t be easier to get involved – we’re asking you to make a pledge to “take one” of our students and create an opportunity for them to experience first-hand the very best our industry has to offer.  Together, we can help shape the careers and employability of the next generation and help them break into an industry that despite the economic downturn, is still creating jobs and opportunities.”

Nestlé Professional® is actively seeking employers from across the industry to offer one or more placements to students.  Placements can be made available in any UK region and should be for a minimum of two weeks.  To find out more or to make your pledge, send an email with the subject “Nestlé Toque d’Or® Take One” to:Toque.D'Or@uk.nestle.com

First heat cooked and served!

30th of January 2013

Toque d’Or Competition 2013 has taken off with a successful and exciting start! Thank you and congratulations to all the teams that participated in the 1st heat of our Silver Jubilee Nestlé Toque d’Or competition. It is even more significant in our 25th year that we continue to demonstrate how Toque d’Or forges links between education & industry. 

The teams competing did themselves and their colleges and universities proud, so well done to all! The judges were impressed by their efficient communication, craft skills, informative presentations, and enthusiasm. We look forward to follow your progress in the competition.

Entries flooding in for the 2013 competition!

13th December 2012

We are delighted with the positive response for the 2013 Toque d'Or competition - our 25th anniversary year, so entries will close on December 21st. If you are thinking of entering, please do so before then to guarantee a place at the heats.

Westminster Kingsway announced as the winners of Nestlé Toque d’Or 2012

June 2012

The winning team, was announced at the Grand Final Awards ceremony held at the Dorchester, Park Lane, on 29th June.

Chairman of Judges, chef James Tanner, said:

“Big congratulations to Westminster Kingsway. The consistently high standards we see in this competition never cease to amaze me and the students always rise to the challenge, no matter what the task in hand! From business planning to outdoor catering using an improvised field kitchen with the British Army, to providing VIP hospitality for the suites at the O2, to a Gala Dinner for industry guests, this year’s Toque d’Or® really lived up to its reputation as being the industry’s most challenging student catering competition. It’s fantastic to be so involved in a competition that plays such a pivotal role in developing the future of hospitality talent.”

Nestlé Professional® Managing Director Neil Stephens added:

“Westminster Kingsway and indeed all of our finalists demonstrated tremendous strength of character and skill that belies their age. They should all be proud of what they have achieved and there is no doubt in my mind that each and every one of them has a bright future ahead.

“Let’s not forget that the Nestlé Toque d’Or® is more than “just a competition”. It has evolved into a wide-reaching programme of activity designed to be of real value to the hospitality industry from a skills, training, learning and development perspective – all of which are fundamental to the continued growth and success of the sector. I see it as our collective responsibility to invest time and resource in developing and nurturing tomorrow’s talent for the greater good of the industry and I’d like to thank all our partners who have played their part in this year’s Toque d’Or®.”

The Grand Finals of the Nestlé Toque d’Or competition are now complete

May 2012

The teams from 8 colleges competed in a wide variety of catering challenges that not only tested their ability but also demonstrated the breadth & richness of the foodservice industry. Please find below news on the various challenges the competitors faced.

Grand Finals of the 2012 Nestlé Toque d’Or® competition

April 2012

The heats have now been completed and we are delighted to inform you that the following colleges have gained a place in the Grand Finals of the 2012 Nestlé Toque d’Or® competition.

In alphabetical order:

• Blackpool and The Fylde College
• Hull College
• Liverpool Community College
• Petroc
• Sheffield City College
• Shrewsbury College
• South Downs College
• Westminster Kingsway College

The finals will be held at the Nestlé business centre, Rashleighs between May 17th-20th 2012.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the finalists, but also to thank the colleges who didn’t make it through for all their hard work. We plan to make next year (our 25th anniversary) even better, so we would encourage you to watch out this autumn for further details.

Nestlé Professional Launch the all brand new

October 2011

‘TOQUE’ SPOT FOR COLLEGE OF FOOD, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM

Nestlé Toque d'Or® Winner announced - J

Nestlé Toque d’Or®, the UK’s premier student catering competition – announces the College of Food, University College Birmingham has WON the coveted title at this year’s awards ceremony held at the Dorchester, Park Lane, on 8th July.

The College of Food, University College Birmingham competed at the very highest of standards, against Blackpool & The Fylde College, Belfast Metropolitan College, Grimsby Institute of Further Education, and Colchester Institute in the regional finals and then the Grand Finals at the BBC Good Food Show.

Chairman of Judges, acclaimed chef James Tanner, said; “I want to congratulate the College of Food, University College Birmingham once again. The entire team really rose to the occasion at the BBC Good Food Show in the Grand Finals.

I think it is incredibly easy to forget how young the individuals competing are and the phenomenal journey they have been on. It is a real test of skill, imagination, passion and commitment and what they manage to achieve is often nothing short of exceptional. I am privileged to be part of the competition and recognise the pivotal role it plays in developing the future of hospitality talent.”

Nestlé Professional®, Managing Director Neil Stephens congratulates the teams and looks forward to the future:

“I said at the beginning of the competition that the standard of entries this year had already surpassed that of previous years and how true that was. The College of Food, University College Birmingham and all the finalists have shown strength of character and skill beyond their years.

“Nestlé Toque d’Or® is more than a competition, it is experiential learning. It is a lifetime’s experience in one competition and provides a gateway to industry and an exceptional unparalleled journey. For example, our Grand Finalists have taken part in an Army style cook-off challenge – which pushed boundaries and required the teams to create and serve a three course meal in ‘field’ conditions – as well as taking the City and Guilds Nestlé Professional® Toque d’Or accreditation for Nutrition, Health and Wellness, which they all passed.

“It is our responsibility as an industry to find ways to encourage and nurture tomorrow’s talent and Nestlé Toque d’Or® is a great example of this. We look forward to celebrating the next generation of foodservice professionals.”

GRAND FINALS FAST APPROACHING

March 2011

With pressure building and the nervous energy reaching boiling point it can mean only one thing… the Grand Finals are just around the corner! This year’s Nestlé® Toque d’Or five finalist teams have been hard at work during the last few weeks.

Not only have they completed their City & Guilds’ Nestle Professional® Toque d’Or accreditation for Nutrition, Health and Wellness – a unique qualification that stands proud on every Nestlé® Toque d’Or finalist’s CV – but they also took part in a special armed forces challenge with the help from the British Army, which was a real test of skill, improvisation and team work.

This year’s Grand Finals, taking place at the Good Food Show Summer at the NEC on the 15-19th June, look set to be a fantastic showcase of the next generation of talent, so be sure to cheer on University College Birmingham, Blackpool & The Fylde College, Belfast Metropolitan College, Grimsby Institute of Further Education, and Colchester Institute at the show or follow them on Facebook.