University chefs shine in Blackpool at TUCO conference

Running alongside the main conference event at the Hilton Blackpool this week have been the cooking competitions at the Blackpool and Fylde College. The most prestigious of these is the TUCO Chefs Challenge, which was won this year by the University of Exeter. Each of the 17 competing universities competed had to produce four courses comprising an amuse bouche of their choice, a salmon fish course, a lamb main course and a 'freestyle' dessert. Exeter was closely challenged by University of Kent, which claimed the silver, and University of Birmingham which took the bronze. Earlier in the week individual chefs competed to be crowned TUCO/KNORR Chef of the Year. Robert Stordy from the University of Derby rose to the task to take gold. And front-of-house skills are also celebrated through the TUCO/CUBO Foodservice Skills Challenge Judged in conjunction with CUBO (College and University Business Officers), 10 shortlisted candidate set and prepared their tables before servi g four guests each in the Blackpool and Fylde College restaurant. Emma Bell of Keele University took the gold in this. Full Results: TUCO Chefs Challenge Gold – University of Exeter Silver – University of Kent Bronze – University of Birmingham Overall Best Hygiene and Safety Award – Pembroke College Best Newcomer – University of Chester Highly Commended Amuse Bouche – University of Reading Highly Commended Fish Course – Durham University Highly Commended Main Course – Imperial College London Highly Commended Dessert - University of Chester Highly Commended Menu – University of Warwick TUCO/KNORR Chef of the Year Gold – Robert Stordy – University of Derby Silver – Allan Jones – Keele University Bronze – Richard Williams – University of Chester TUCO/CUBO Food Service Skills Challenge Gold – Emma Bell – Keel University Silver – Jenna Beech – University of Birmingham Bronze – Joe Smith – Durham University