Three University of Derby students have won a place at the final of the UK catering industry’s most prestigious competition – the Toque d’Or.
Meaning “golden chef’s hat” in French, the Toque d’Or is run by the world’s largest food firm, Nestlé, and pits teams of the best young caterers in the country against each other in a gruelling day of challenges. In the past, these have ranged from catering for the Armed Forces to feeding guests at the opening of a Kanye West tour.
Team members are Rosie Maguire, Karla Webber-Aucutt, both in their first year of a foundation degree in culinary arts, and Mirko Notturno, a first year culinary management undergraduate.
Rob Story, chef lecturer at the University of Derby who described the Torque d’Or as “the biggest competition in the catering calendar”, said: “All the top people in catering are there. There is no reason why our students shouldn’t win this competition.
“They have not only shown the skills in front-of-house and back-of-house, but also demonstrated their qualities as team members and individuals.”
In the final they will also have to demonstrate skills as cooks, waiters and managers, showing that they understand all about the provenance of the food they serve, its sustainability and how it is all costed.
Rob added: “They really have to do a lot. It’s very gruelling, but even those who don’t win will get offered work placements in some very prestigious establishments.”
There were 136 entries from colleges and universities across the UK, and three teams from the University of Derby got through to the regional heats at University College Birmingham.
The grand finals are being held in April this year, when the team from the Buxton campus will compete against five other finalists.
It’s the second time the University has got through to the finals, and Nestlé has already given the Buxton campus £1,500 prize money for new equipment.
Nineteen-year-old Rosie said: “It is a very prestigious competition that is so well respected in this industry, so I was surprised and delighted when I found out we’d got through.
“Success in this competition will have phenomenal, positive effects on my career prospects and open so many doors for me.”
She added: “Something that the University and Toque D’Or have in common is their focus on providing students with a realistic and challenging environment that is highly similar to that of this industry, which I think is a crucial aspect in developing well-rounded and skilled professionals for the future of hospitality.
“I aim to enter this industry and eventually have a significant position within an establishment, perhaps even as an entrepreneur and business owner. And this is why I think experience and knowledge is key in achieving my ambitions.”