Over 200 talented chefs, caterers and baristas from across UK universities’ in-house catering operations converged at a series of competitions earlier this month in Blackpool, run by The University Caterers’ Association (TUCO Ltd).
Two cookery competitions
TUCO Ltd, a membership organisation offering support to both in-house caterers and suppliers to the industry, put the teams through their paces with a series of events, which included two cookery competitions – a fine dining Chefs’ Challenge, a TUCO/Major Chef of the Year Award for creative university student-focused dishes, Static Salon Display Competition, a CUBO Food Service Challenge.
Reflecting the growth of the coffee market, for the first time there was a Barista Skills Competition sponsored by Illy and Fracino.
Competitors were judged on technical skill, timing and presentation across the cookery competitions, with set basic ingredients accompanied by imaginative flair to make each dish unique. Static presentation competitions showcased the artistic presentation of cold canapes, plated meals and afternoon tea, whilst the TUCO/CUBO Service Skills Challenge required flower arrangement, table setting and faultless service and knowledge for four covers.
The event culminated in the TUCO 2013 Skills Competition Awards Dinner and ceremony at the Blackpool Hilton.
Winners
- Aaron Tong, Andrew Lewis and Richard Narramore of University of Exeter for Chef’s Challenge with their menu of guinea fowl scotch egg, smoked mash and madeira jus
- Lionel Lachasseigne from University of Essex for Food Service Skills
- Erik Barre from University of Nottingham who served up wild mushroom risotto and chicken ballotines with prosciutto ham, for Chef of the Year
- Valeria Mazza won the inaugural Barista Skills Challenge with her calm cool precision and for creating a highly innovative signature coffee – ‘Pistachio Ice-cream Americano’.
Julie Barker, Managing Director of TUCO Ltd:
“The annual TUCO Skills Competitions have become a major source of sharing knowledge and learning for our members. Whilst it gives them the platform to showcase their skills – which have been exceptional – it also provides the opportunity to network, share best practice and demonstrate the passion they have for their craft.
“University catering is now a highly sophisticated career path, it’s not only about providing students with a much needed service, but also encompasses events, fine dining and creativity.”
Peter Griffiths MBE, hospitality and cuisine expert and Chairman of Judges added:
“I have been involved with TUCO Skills Competitions for nearly 20 years and I’m proud to say that the quality just keeps on getting better and better! Teams are also demonstrating a real understanding of national issues such as health and wellness and incorporating healthy options in their menus, which are delicious and appetizing.”
The TUCO Barista Skills competition
Valeria Mazza (above) was crowned winner of the 2013 inaugural competition, beating off stiff competition in a fiercely fought contest with over 20 contestants from 16 universities. She impressed the judges with her cool calm precision and technical skill, as well as evidenced huge creativity with her signature coffee, entitled Pistachio Ice-Cream Americano.
The competition was introduced by popular demand and required entrants to make four espressos, four cappuccinos and four speciality drinks of their own concoction within 15 minutes. The contest was judged by Barista skills and coffee experts from the Barista Championships, Peros and Davinci Gourmet
The standard was extremely high across the board, as Chrissie Huxter, Technical Judge at the Barista Championships and one of three judges on the day explained:
“The level of skill we saw in the competition covered a wide range of essential coffee making talents. Entrants showed knowledge of their coffee ingredients and sources, technical skill in both espresso making and milk frothing – which interestingly saw varying approaches from different competitors – and finally, a diverse and exciting range of recipes and designs when it came to creating their own signature coffee.
“We saw everything from coconut and dark chocolate mochas to homemade pistachio ice-cream Americanos, and the level of innovation shown really was excellent.”
Bigger caffeine buzz expected for 2014
Julie Barker, managing director of TUCO anticipates an even bigger buzz around the caffeine laden event next year, as she explains:
“The UK has embraced European Café culture to the extent that in 2010, the UK Takeaway coffee market was worth £5bn, and continues to grow every year. Students in particular are very keen on takeaway coffee and demand the highest standards at reasonable prices from their university caterers.
“At TUCO our role is to support university caterers such as Baristas with learning and development and this inaugural year for the Barista Competition has showcased fantastic standards, commitment and inventiveness to rival any high street coffee shop whilst simultaneously nurturing these skills. We are certain that demand will be even higher for next year’s competition, which is a great way for us to foster the talent in this rapidly expanding area.”