Waiariki students set for stirring kitchen battle

Waiariki students will compete in a live cook-off in Auckland.

Three top hospitality students from Waiariki Institute of Technology have sharpened their knives and are ready to battle it out in a live kitchen cook-off in Auckland.

Culinary students Sophia Zanoli and Grace Bruere along with restaurant service student Junita O'Dea will compete against 33 other hospitality students in a bid to take out the top title at the annual Nestle Toque d'Or competition.

Team manager Jonathan Chemis said this year's team had what it took to win the top title.

"The students have been training hard every Friday and Saturday always trying to get better and working as a team," he said.

"Our biggest challenge is with kitchen space. As we have so many students we have had to train on Saturday which shows how committed the students are.

"This is a great opportunity for Waiariki to go head-to-head with other institutes around New Zealand and it's a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity for the students - something they will remember for their whole careers."

The teams of three students must impress a 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 World Chefs Culinary Committee member Gary Farrell."

The competition will be held tomorrow at the Auckland Showgrounds. An awards dinner will be held later in the evening where the winning team will be announced.