Hopes high in student hospitality cook-off

BAGS PACKED: Culinary students Liam Thomas, (left), and Jordan Murray are heading to Auckland for the Nestle Toque d'Or along with restaurant service student Mitch Thorne (absent). PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Three top hospitality students have sharpened their knives and are ready to battle it out in a live kitchen cook-off in Auckland this month.

Eastern Institute of Technology culinary students Jordan Murray and Liam Thomas along with restaurant service student Mitch Thorne will vie against 33 other hospitality students in a bid to take out top honours at the annual Nestle Toque d'Or competition.

EIT Team Manager Celia Kurta said the team has what it takes to win the top title.

"The students have been training since the beginning of the year as the local competitions were held in May - which is a great dress rehearsal for Nestle Toque d'Or."

NZChefs National President and event organiser, Graham Hawkes, said the students will be competing at a prestigious event which is highly-regarded by the hospitality industry.

The teams of three students must impress a top panel of industry judges by cooking and serving six covers of a three course meal within just two-and-a-half hours.

"This year, we have secured the involvement of high profile culinary figures including: chef and restaurateur Simon Gault, national vice-president Australian Culinary Federation Andre Kropp and WorldChefs Culinary Committee member Gary Farrell.

"The judges mark each team against WorldChefs international judging standards which include food preparation, presentation, taste and service."

He said the competitors have to meet strict time deadlines for delivery of each course and develop their own unique menus, using predetermined ingredients.

Graham said the competition opens doors for competing students and gives them valuable opportunities to kick-start their careers.

The 25th Nestle Toque d'Or will be held on 30 July 2015 at the Auckland Showgrounds and members of the public can attend.