NESTLÉ TOQUE D'OR
The UK's premier student catering competition
- The ultimate challenge for catering students
Congratulations to the winners of the 2005 Nestlé Toque d'Or competition.
The countdown is on to find the next Jamie Oliver in the Nestlé Toque d'Or competition. Now in its 18th year, The Nestlé Toque d'Or is the ultimate challenge for catering students. In a unique opportunity, students have the chance to demonstrate their skills by creating their own 'place to eat'. Not only will they be challenged to create an original concept but, if successful, they will see their 'place to eat' come alive by running it as a commercial proposition at a dynamic new venue for the grand finals - 'The Home Show' - held 20-23 April, in association with The Sunday Times and IPC Media, at ExCel in London.
Toque d’Or was founded in 1988, with the aim of rewarding young chefs who were prepared to invest their time to test their knowledge and skills. The first ever competition was held at Westminster College in London and over the past 17 years, the format of the competition may have changed, but its aim remains the same, to encourage young caterers and recognise potential talent.
And there’s certainly been a great deal of talent crafted through the Toque d’Or competition - TV chefs, Jamie Oliver and James Martin both entered the Nestlé Toque d’Or competition while still at college. James Martin now gives up his time to act as a Judge in the competition.
- Toque d'Or is a true test of everything students have learned whilst at college
How it works
Toque d'Or is a true test of everything students have learned whilst at college, bringing into play foodservice skills, imagination, creativity and teamwork. It is a fantastic chance for students to show off their skills, and design not only the three-course menu, but also the restaurant itself.
Step 1
The student teams are first asked to ‘prepare and present their idea’. This should include the concepts for each of the three courses and the big idea for the theme of the restaurant itself, the aim being to capture the imagination and taste buds of the judges, many of who have great experience of this unique challenge. The judges will then select the best all round offering that, in their opinion, captures the spirit of the challenge and presents a deliverable, workable package.
Step 2
18 teams selected by the judges will then present their ideas and prepare their menu for the judges and 20 guest diners at the Toque d’Or heats. Once the judging panel have seen, tested and tasted all the heat competitors’ dishes, the final four Grand finalists will be announced. And that’s when we really turn up the heat!
- Finalists will run their own restaurant for the day
The Grand Final
The final four teams will take their places in the Grand Finals. They will take their original idea and up the scale, producing their heat menu for 100 guests at the Grand Finals! The Finals will realise every young chefs dream - Nestlé Toque d’Or will build a restaurant at The Home Show in association with the Sunday Times & IPC Media and over the four days of the show each of the finalists will take ownership of the Nestlé Toque d'Or restaurant for one day. The Toque d’Or restaurant will be personalised on a daily basis so that each of the four finalists will run their own restaurant for the day. To help them make this tremendous step they will each work with a Company Mentor from the Foodservice industry. The students have the support of key players such as Aramark, Compass UK & Ireland, Quadrant Catering & De Vere Hotels whose skilled staff helps bring the teams ideas to life. They are also best placed to provide real life experiences in preparation for the Grand Finals.
- Toque d'Or is judged by industry stars
Providing a unique link between education and industry
The Grand Final is a true challenge; one that tests every skill the students will need to be successful in their chosen career to the limit. Toque d’Or sets out to provide a unique link between education and industry, testing student’s knowledge and ability at every stage. Judged by industry stars such as Brian Turner, James Martin & Paul Gayler means the heat will really be turned up for these young students.
Visit our Nestlé FoodServices site for more information.
