Entries are now open for the 2024 TUCO Competitions, with a deadline of December 29th to sign up.
For 2024 there is no entry fee for members to put staff into the competition. Every competitor will receive two nights of accommodation with breakfast and dinner – free of charge.
TUCO chair Phil Rees-Jones said: “Responding to member clamour, we are thrilled to announce the re-launch of the TUCO Competitions. These culinary competitions not only nurture culinary professionals but also drive industry advancement, promoting culinary arts and culture. They provide a platform for showcasing talent, fostering innovation and building a sense of community within the culinary world.”
The two-day event will feature five brand new challenges as well as see some favourites return. All take place in front of live audiences. The competition categories include:
- NEW: Best Burger Challenge – 45 minutes to serve up two portions – with your own twist
- Chefs’ Challenge – involves teams of two with two hours to cook and serve a three-course meal from a mystery box of ingredients suitable for a private dining event
- NEW: Innovative Breakfast Challenge – competitors are encouraged to ‘think outside the box’ in devising and serving a creative and innovative breakfast in 45 minutes
- NEW: Love British Food Challenge – with a locally-sourced protein the ‘hero’ of your plate, chefs have to serve up two plated main meals
- NEW: Seafood Skills Challenge – two portions of a seafood main dish are required in 45 minutes, with a focus on innovation and presentation
- NEW: Vegan Challenge – just 30 minutes are available to serve up two plated dishes designed to appeal to vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters
- Barista Skills Challenge – this comprises technical and signature rounds featuring espressos, cappuccinos and non-alcoholic speciality espresso-based drinks
- Mixology Competition – this category was previously known as ‘bar skills’ and challenges competitors to show off technical and signature skills with a signature-serve cocktail, classic cocktails plus a gin-and-tonic challenge in which they try to serve as many G&T’s as they can in one minute