Catering expert Cucina continues its support for World Cup

Cucina, which now caters at 34 restaurants up and down the country, is serving fresh food to nearly 30,000 pupils. Cucina emphasises fresh and locally sourced food and also helps the students understand the importance of food provenance. Steve Quinn, managing director of Cucina, said: "In line with the World Cup kick off, we created an instant win promotion running right the way through the four week tournament. We got our chefs together during half term and came up with daily special menus with dishes from all those countries competing, which will be served on the days they play. "Goodies such as Lionel Messi's empanadas with chimichurri dipping sauce from Argentina, Spanish Paella and Dutch Apple Cake are all featuring on the menu during June and July. There will be spot prizes given away every day from wristbands to world cup key rings, caps, car flags and a star prize of the official Jabulani ball everyone is talking about." Sam Davies, Cucina's food director speaking at Basildon Academy where Cucina serves for 2,700 students, added: "Every time anyone wins, we blow a whistle. The main courses win the prizes to encourage better eating – but don't tell the students that! We've even had pupils dressing up as England players and fruit juices dressed up as 'half pints' for the 'first half' and 'second half' and the flags flying at half mast now England are out." Cucina has appointed a head chef to oversee service and offering an educational food service which links the classroom to the kitchen.