Nestlé puts catering students through their paces

Pubs wanting first crack at recruiting the cream of the next generation of chefs should be paying close attention to the Nestlé Toque d'Or 2005 competition.

Catering students from around the country are getting ready to put their creative and business minds to the test.

Sponsored by Nestlé FoodServices, Toque d'Or is now in its 17th year. The competition gives catering students a chance to see their dream restaurants come to life, as well as offering unique hands-on experience.

Event organiser Martin Webster, said: "Our experienced judging panel, chaired by Brian Turner CBE, represents the highest standards in catering. We are enormously impressed by the quality of entrants in 2005.

"Not only do we have traditional supporters of Toque d'Or returning to the competition but we have new colleges from around the UK entering." Eighteen teams will be invited to a cook-off at six venues across the country between February 22 and March 9, where they will bring their 'place to eat' concept alive. Each team will have three hours to cook and serve their chosen menu to 20 guests from the foodservice industry.

The teams will also be asked to present to the judges their restaurant concepts prior to preparing their dishes, highlighting their commercial skills as well as culinary creativity.

Teams must include Nestlé's products from its Maggi, Chef and Nescafé ranges, with food ingredients for the three course lunchtime menu not exceeding £6.50 per head.

The final will take place at the Daily Telegraph House & Garden Fair in London form June 30 to July 3.

Each finalist will receive a prize of catering equipment courtesy of Electrolux FoodService Equipment, with £2000 worth for each runner up and £4000 worth for the winning team.

The overall winners will gain a place on the Nestlé Toque d'Or Study Trip, with the location kept under wraps until the award ceremony in July.