The Dorchester, Park Lane, 24th June 2016: Andrej Prokes, former Executive Sous Chef at The Ritz London and The Fat Duck in Bray and now Chef Consultant for CHEF® Nestlé Professional®, was amongst the Industry’s biggest names to unite in support of Hospitality talent today.
At a glittering luncheon ceremony at the Dorchester, the stars were out in force to see inspirational team of Hospitality’s most promising youngsters from University College Birmingham be named winners of Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or®, the iconic student competition that has trail-blazed the skills agenda for the past 28 years.
For Prokes, a Toque d’Or® judge who worked alongside Henry Brosi (Executive Chef at The Dorchester), to create some inspirational canapés for the Gala luncheon in conjunction with CHEF® All Natural Stocks, the competition is absolutely vital in terms of inspiring young Industry talent and nurturing skills:
“As a judge, I have been completely bowled over by the passion, commitment and sheer talent that has shone through at every stage of the competition.
“The shortage of skilled chefs is without doubt one of the biggest issues facing our Industry today. There simply isn’t enough young talent coming up through the ranks.
“This is precisely what makes Toque d’Or® so unique… There is a lot to be said for learning from experience and Toque does this in spades. The opportunities it offers young talent are amazing – truly inspirational. And the support it receives from Nestlé Professional® is fantastic too.
“At the end of the day, young people are the future of our Industry and if we can give them the experience and knowledge to help guide them through a long successful career, then the Industry will be better for it.”
University College Birmingham saw off great competition from City of Glasgow College, Gloucestershire College, Sheffield City College, University of Derby Buxton and York College, who all faced a week of twists, turns and challenges at the four-day Grand Finals in March. This included creating and serving a three course menu at a Fine Dining Dinner in London for 48 VIP guests with front of house training from renowned London pub and restaurant chain, ETM Group, covering a lunch and dinner service at Bill’s Restaurants across London, taking part in a Nutrition masterclass with Footprint Media and writer and Nutritionist Amanda Ursell, and a desserts masterclass led by Development Pastry Chef and former Toque d’Or® contestant, Thomas Leatherbarrow, in conjunction with The Caterer.
The winning team will now receive a ‘once in a lifetime’ prize, including a range of money-can’t-buy experiences to further enhance their CV’s and increase their employability, delivered over the course of the coming year.
For further information go to www.nestle-toquedor.co.uk. You can also find Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or® on social media either on Facebook – Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or – or on Twitter @NestleToquedor #Toquedor2016
If YOU have competed in Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or® in the last 28 years – the team would love to hear from you. Please contact [email protected]
