Regional finalists revealed for Brakes Student Team Chef Challenge 2011

Organised by Brakes Group, the national event challenges teams of catering students to devise a three course meal for four covers at a cost of no more than £12 per head. The judging panel – which includes Mark Irish, head of business development chefs at Brakes, Martin Bates, CEO of the Craft Guild of Chefs and Christopher Basten the executive chef at The Marriott Hotel, County Hall London and vice chairman of the Craft Guild of Chefs – had to whittle down entries to 36 lucky teams who will now get the opportunity to cook and serve their menus in regional heats to compete for a place in the final. The teams will be split into five regional heats – London and Southeast, Southwest, Midlands, North England and Scotland. Heats will run throughout January and February and the teams will be judged on their regional menu, taste, presentation, teamwork, seasoning, culinary skills, working methods and overall menu balance. One team from each regional heat will be invited to ScotHot 2011 to battle it out for a chance to win a five day work experience placement with chef Christopher Basten. A range of additional prizes will also be awarded during the competition, including Brakes Catering Equipment vouchers. Placed winners at the grand final will also have their menus featured in the Brakes Group very own Menus magazine.