4th Apr 2011 - 00:00
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Abstract
Two Westminster Kingsway College (WKC) professional chef students and their chef lecturer have won culinary awards at the Going Global 2011 conference in Hong Kong, organised by the British Council and supported by UK Skills.
More than a thousand delegates from around the world attended the global education conference and exhibition, and students were invited to take part in a series of UK-China culinary skills competitions. Teams from the UK consisting of one chef lecturer and two chef students from three London Colleges – WKC, Lewisham College and Hackney Community College – took part in the competitions alongside three colleges from China. Second year students Lucy Bednarczyk and Jordan Hopkins, plus chef lecturer Barry Jones represented WKC. The first competition took place at the Hospitality Industry Training & Development Centre Pokfulam in Hong Kong and consisted of a mystery box of ingredients and a selection of fresh commodities, which the six teams used to prepare a three course meal. Judges were Andreas Muller, principal instructor/manager, western cuisine operations and training from the Training & Development Centre Pokfulam, and chef Adam Smith from The Ritz Hotel, in London, winner of gold medal at the WorldSkills culinary competition in Calgary two years ago. The teams were given three hours to plan, prepare and cook their menu incorporating specific food items in each course. Prizes were awarded for each course and the overall winning team based on communication and work methods. WKC won the best dessert prize and was judged to be the overall winner, while the Chinese colleges shared the best starter and best main course prizes. The second competition took place at the conference centre during the Going Global 2011 event. The competition involved several prizes including best flat fish preparation, best preparation of a rack of lamb and a team event to produce two plated starters. WKC's Hopkins won the prize for best fish preparation and the Chinese teams once again shared the remaining prizes. WKC's Barry Jones said: "Both Lucy and Jordan were great ambassadors for Westminster Kingsway College at the opening of the conference and throughout the competitions. They were not fazed by the occasion and took a great interest in the whole event. It was a fantastic opportunity to represent the college and the UK at this event. They were also able to experience a different culture and its unique cuisine." • Going Global 2012 will take place at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster, London, from March 13-15 2012