AFWS Food & Beverage Challenge 2011 gets underway

The competition, which includes a FaB College Challenge for students, is inviting entries from chef and a front-of-house team either working in hospitality, or attending college. The teams are required to devise, cook and present a two-course menu with suitable accompanying beverages under the theme 'Best of British'. The winning FaB Challenge team will receive a bursary of £1,000 towards a training or educational visit of their choice, dinner at a top restaurant and a case of champagne. The winning FaB College Challenge team will receive a 'stage' at a top hotel or restaurant, a case of champagne and dinner at a top restaurant. The competition will involve entrants submitting details of their menu and beverage lists. Judging will be based on presentation, use and choice of ingredients and the matching of suitable drinks. "We are looking for a two course menu that works together as a complete meal and one that uses a degree of regional products. The menu must be creative and thoughtfully executed," said AFWS executive director Sophie Roberts Brown The five best FaB Challenge entries will attend a cook and serve final in London on 28 November 2011 while the top five entries to the FaB College Challenge will receive a visit from the judges in October, when they will cook and serve their two-course menu. The results of both competitions will be announced in London on 28 November. Roberts Brown added: "The FaB Challenge aims to support learning and development and reward talent and creativity. This year we have expanded the range of permitted ingredients so that both menu and beverage elements represent the Best of British. Contestants can choose key products that represent the qualities of British food to create the ultimate menu combination." The deadline for entries is 30 September 2011. Entry forms can be downloaded from the Academy's website at www.afws.co.uk. Or contact Helen Glen at the Academy of Food and Wine Service on 020 8661 4646 or email her on Helen@acfws.org