9th March 2016
On Friday 5th February, SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE opened its doors as the College welcomed aspiring chefs and catering staff for the Major Mini-Series Culinary Challenge. In association with the Craft Guild of Chefs, the event saw over 100 students from local Colleges take part as they tested their culinary skills and expertise.
There were a variety of classes and competitions throughout the day, as an impressive array of fine dining dishes and delicacies were judged in both static and live disciplines. There were main courses with set ingredients, desserts, pastries and wonderfully intricate decorated gateaux, as well as the Major Culinary Challenge where participants produced two chicken dishes in front of a live audience.
After careful deliberation, the judges announced the day’s winners. With over 100 entrants, South Devon College students were awarded 12 gold medals, 27 silver medals, 17 bronze medals and 6 merits; an excellent achievement considering the vast array of talent on display in the competitors.
In addition to the culinary activities, students also competed in the Front of House event, showcasing their themed table setting skills. This tested students on a floral table setting, a specialised napkin fold and a recommended wine to match each course.
Mark Provan, Programme Co-ordinator for Hospitality and Catering at South Devon College said “We have again shown that South Devon College have a very talented group of learners who are able to demonstrate their individual skills from all areas of our curriculum. As a result of the competition we have also Abiie Hookins through to the Major Series national final next year at the Hospitality Show at the NEC in Birmingham and Joseph Cook who has secured employment with one of the external judges. A fantastic achievement all round.”
The two lead chefs for the event were Stuart Downie and Tim Maddams, who were full of praise about the professional attitude that all learners, both front and back of house, demonstrated during the day.
For a full gallery of images from the competition, please visit our Facebook page HERE