TALKINGTON BATES WIN ACE AWARD

Each team of two was given a box of mystery ingredients from which they had to produce a main course and dessert within 30 minutes using only a small/medium sized induction hob and very limited working space. Judges included Craft Guild of Chefs CEO Martin Bates, Westminster Kingsway College head of catering Geoff Booth, and chef Steven Saunders, who was one of the original chefs to take part on the Ready Steady Cook programme back in 1994, and is currently creative director for the Aspire Group. Talkington Bates duo Christian Sandhagen and Cordelia Hornibrook won first place with their main course of polenta and sage crusted squid, roasted pomodoro tomatoes, radicchio and glazed cucumber, with shallot and balsamic vinegar, followed by a dessert of vanilla sponge, honey and date Greek yogurt, with caramelised pears and spiced syrup. Second were Daryll Young and Dan Goody representing Directors' Table and third were David Mercer and Chris Blunt from Accent Catering. ACE focuses on helping caterers and associates from across the UK foodservice sector to network as well as share ideas and socialise, and this competition has over the years become seriously competitive between the various teams. This year it attracted more than 250 spectators who saw the winners receive their trophies, certificates and champagne, plus a framed signed copy of the taster menu from The Fat Duck which entitled each winning chef along with their partner to a special lunch at the prestigious restaurant as well as a guided tour around the kitchens.