The History of Toque d'Or
 The countdown is on to find the next James Martin in this year’s
Nestlé Toque d’Or competition. In this its 20th year, Nestlé Toque d’Or is still offering competitors something very special. Not only will they experience the prestige of competing in the UK’s premier student catering competition; they will also be realising a dream. Ask any young chef what their ultimate ambition would be and the answer would most definitely be to run their own restaurant. This is exactly the challenge that Toque d’Or sets.
Toque d’Or was founded in 1988, with the aim of rewarding young chefs who were prepared to invest their time to test their knowledge and skills. The first ever competition was held at Westminster College (now Westminster Kingsway College) in London and over the past 19 years, the format of the competition may have changed, but its aim remains the same, to encourage young chefs and recognise potential talent.
There has certainly been a great deal of talent crafted through the Toque d’Or competition –TV chefs,
Jamie Oliver and James Martin both entered the Nestlé Toque d’Or competition while still at college. James Martin now gives up his time to act as Chairman of Judges in the competition.
The approach taken by Toque d’Or is very different today than back in 1988 when the competition first launched. Initially, the Toque d’Or challenge focused on competing individuals, but in the mid 90’s this was changed to a team format recognising the fact that to be a great chef you have to be able to work with and direct a team.
 The remit of the challenge was also widened in 2000 to explore other aspects of becoming a successful foodservice professional, recognising that it is not just culinary skills that counted. The new challenge set students the task of designing a restaurant concept and theme, whilst also complimenting the style of menu they had crafted. So it isn’t just the food that matters, the whole catering offering is presented to the judging panel for consideration. For the winning team a study tour to
America, to attend the Johnson & Wales University, the hosts for the Nestlé Toque d’Or culinary study tour.
 So, that’s the history... Now
In teams of six, Toque d’Or is offering final year full-time catering students the opportunity to take part in this special challenge. It is a fantastic chance for students to show off their skills and design not only the three-course menu, but also the restaurant itself.
Toque d’Or is designed to test student’s ideas, imagination, knowledge, creativity and business skills. The competition is divided into
the following stages:
Step 1 - The student teams have been asked to ‘prepare and present their idea’. This should include the concepts for each of the three courses and the big idea for the theme of the restaurant itself. The aim being to capture the imagination and taste buds of the judges, many of who have great experience of this unique challenge.
Step 2 - The judges will then select the best all round offering that, in their opinion, captures the spirit of the challenge and presents a deliverable, workable package.
Step 3 - 12 teams selected by the judges will then present their ideas and prepare their menu for the judges and 30 guest diners at the Toque d’Or heats. Once the judging have seen, tested and tasted all the heat competitors’ dishes, the final four Grand finalists will be announced. That’s when we really turn up the heat!
 Step 4 - The final four teams have now won their places in the Grand Finals. They will take their original idea and up the scale, producing their heat menu for 100 guests. The Finals will realise every young caterers dream. Each of the finalists will take ownership of the Toque d’Or restaurant for one day, the restaurant will be personalised on a daily basis for each of the finalists. To help them make this tremendous step they will each work with a Mentor from the Foodservice Industry, whose skilled staff work with the students to help bring their ideas to life. They are also best placed to provide real life experiences in preparation for the Grand Finals.
The Grand Final is a true challenge; one that tests every skill the students will need to be successful in their chosen career to the limit.
Toque d’Or sets out to provide a unique link between education and industry, testing students knowledge and ability at every stage. Judged by industry stars such as Brian Turner, James Martin, Paul Gayler & Roger Narbett, means the heat will really be turned up for these young students.
Come and taste the future!!!
More Information
Detailed below are a number of useful links to find out more about the Nestlé Toque d’Or partners
For Chef James Martin (www.jamesmartinchef.co.uk)
For the Johnson & Wales University. USA (www.jwu.edu)
For Catering Clothing and Equipment (www.russums.co.uk)
For Events Management assistance (www.parallelblue.co.uk) |
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