Four students taste culinary success

Four Bay of Plenty Polytechnic hospitality students were awarded top honours at the 2011 New Zealand Culinary Fare in Auckland.
Students Kylie Percival, Kataraina Rimaha, Tim Day, Jacob Van Silfhout and tutor John Still competed in the Open Section of the competition, which saw them go head to head with some of the country's top chefs as well as other aspiring trainee chefs from other training facilities throughout New Zealand.
Kylie was awarded a silver medal for her Salmon dish, while Kataraina received a bronze medal for her Main and Dessert option. Tim was also awarded a bronze medal for his Beef dish and tutor Mr Still received a merit for his Celebration Cake. Student Skyla Clifton received a bronze medal in the junior soup category.
Lee Pearce, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic hospitality tutor, said: "I'm very pleased and happy with the students' overall performance and results. They worked really hard and this national event gives them a guide on where they are at with their training.
"It's an excellent learning experience for them and it will give them more confidence to work in the hospitality industry."
The students' success at the weekend come hot on the heels of their success at the Waikato Culinary Fare earlier this month, where they picked up six medals: two gold, two silver and two bronze.
You can get a taste of the award winning students' dishes on Tuesday nights at the Polytechnic's Atrium Restaurant throughout August. Bookings are essential, phone Fred Ord on 07 571 0190 ext. 6780.