WHO’LL BE THE NEXT TOQUE OF THE TOWN…?
June 2008
The Nestlé Toque d’Or 2008 is open for business! The search is now on for Britain’s most talented college catering team.
In its 20th incredible year, the UK’s most prestigious catering competition is bigger and better than ever before! The heats are back at Hotelympia and the finals are at an exciting international event. There’s a host of surprises for successful teams; yet to be revealed, like any good birthday surprise! But, the competition is fierce – only the very best will survive.
To enter … colleges must select a team of four chefs and two front of house team members, create an original dining concept and design a three-course lunchtime menu (on paper) to impress the judging panel.
If their paper entry is successful, the team (along with 15 others) will be invited to cook in front of thousands at Hotelympia 2008, at La Parade des Chefs kitchens preparing and then serving a three-course menu to 20 discerning guests.
After that, it’s the Grand Final at an international event when just five lucky teams will battle it out for the coveted title of 2008 champions. This will be the ultimate challenge, with each team tasked to serve 100 diners at their ‘place to eat’ under the watchful eyes of the highly experienced judging panel.
Of course, whilst the quality of the food on a menu is critical, it is the total meal experience – the atmosphere, the service and the people both front and back of house that will make or break a business in today’s business climate and will therefore be the basis upon which the team are judged.
“The Nestlé Toque d’Or is the only event of its kind offering support, mentoring and guidance as entrants begin the transition from the theory of the college classroom to the reality of a competitive commercial kitchen,” explains Martin Lines, Marketing Director, Nestlé FoodServices.
“It is unique – there is no other competition that brings together all aspects of our industry and that is also why it is so well respected. With a 20 year heritage and the support of key players in our industry, this is a real opportunity for students win an an accolade which will impress prospective employers, out in industry.
The Menu…
All menus should start with a soup, which includes at least one Nestlé FoodServices product from the nominated list.
The signature main course should be imaginative and contemporary and will require speed, precision and quality ingredients, which is exactly why we have asked you to work with the Chef range of stocks and jus. In addition, to reflect current trends for nutrition and healthy living, the final dish should not exceed 600 calories when served.
NEW to this year’s competition is the Mövenpick of Switzerland premium ice cream range. An impressive finale course requires this star ingredient for your dessert.
Ready to Toque?
Are you up for the challenge? If so…get a team together, create the vision for your restaurant, consider a business plan and design the menus because the 2008 Nestlé Toque d’Or clock is tick toque-ing!
You can download an entry form from www.nestlefoodservices.co.uk or contact the Nestlé Toque d’Or team on Tel: 0208 667 5530 for an entry form but be quick as the closing date for entries is 14 January 2008.
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