University of West London are the new Zest Quest Asia champions. Their triumph was announced last night before an audience of 300 representatives from industry and education at a Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony held at the Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5.
Matthew Dibb-Fuller, Matthew Williams, Michael Scholz and their tutor, Nathan Vasanthan, win a trip of a lifetime: a 7-day culinary and cultural journey to Hanoi, one of the world’s ancient capitals. They will be staying at the Hilton Hanoi Opera, who have planned an amazing itinerary for them. They will also be preparing the canapes for, and attending the Reflections of the Lord Mayor Dinner in honour of Jeffrey Richard de Corban Evans, 4th Baron Mountevans this coming May.
University of West London triumphed over Colchester Institute, North Hertfordshire College, Sheffield Hallam University, The Sheffield College, and Westminster Kingsway College in a final cook-off held earlier in the day at Mr Todiwala’s Kitchen, Hilton T5’s signature restaurant. Judges were won over by their Sri Lanka-inspired menu consisting of Authentic Lamb Rolls with Bramley Apple Ketchup and a Spicy Watercress and and Lime Dressing, Nose to Tail of Poussin with Jaffna Style Sauce, Cardamom Leaves Crusted with Lamb, Tilda Basmati or Wild Rice – Seeni Sambol, Pickled Aubergine, Spiced Poussin Scotch Eggs (Quail Egg), Roasted Stuff Chilli, Kithul Honey and Lime Glazed Lollipop, and Sri Lanka-inspired Pear Tart Tatin with Ceylon Tea Infused Pear and Coconut Sorbet. They also impressed the judges during a presentation designed to give an insight into and demonstrate their knowledge of Sri Lankan cuisine.
Other awardees on the night were:
- Glengoyne Dish of the Day Award – University of West London
- Chefi’s Least Food Wasted Award – Sheffield Hallam University
- Tilda’s Award for Best use of Rice – The Sheffield College
- Regale Award for Best Presented Menu – Sheffield Hallam University
- Koppertcress Award for Best Use of Living Ingredient– Colchester Institute
Zest Quest Asia was founded in 2013 by Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala, with the support of The Master Chefs of Great Britain, to address the gaps in skills and knowledge of classical Asian cuisine about by and to stimulate interest in Asian cookery as a viable, long-term career.
Now in its fifth year, there is every indication that the competition has found its firm supporters in the hospitality industry as well as the wider business community. Guest speaker Andrew Wong, Chef Patron of Michelin-starred restaurant, A.Wong, cited the many myths behind Chinese cuisine, while Sir David Brewer KG CMG CVO JP, former Lord Lieutenant of London, led grace before the 4-course dinner prepared by Cyrus Todiwala and his team. This year too, Emmy-nominated TV chef Ching He- Huang joined the panel of judges comprising Chairman of Judges, Andrew Bennett, Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala of Café Spice Namaste, Steve Munkley of Royal Garden Hotel, Clive Owen of Master Chefs of Great Britain, and Murray Chapman of Passion to Inspire. The evening was emceed by Andrew Merrett, Marketing and Communications Director of leading hospitality and catering company CH&Co Group.
Ken Hom OBE, the American chef, author and TV presenter, in a message sent to the Todiwalas before the Gala Dinner, said ‘Although I am unable to be at the 2018 Zest Quest Asia Gala Dinner and Awards, I would like to wish Chef Cyrus Todiwala and
everyone much success with the evening. As an advocate for Asian foods, I am also
delighted to see that Asian cuisine is now part of the DNA of British food culture.’
Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL said, ‘I am touched and truly overwhelmed by the support that our friends in industry and beyond have shown to Zest Quest Asia this year. We cannot thank them enough. What’s more, my fellow judges and I have been more impressed than ever at the standard and drive of the competitors. Zest Quest Asia, which is rigorous to begin with, seems to attract those who want to win something big, and there are few things that are more important to our industry today than the future of Asian cuisine. Congratulation to University of West London and all the other winners and participants.’
Two of the team from Hospitality and Catering News attended on the night and were delighted to see first hand the hard work done by the students and their tutors recognised.
Our congratulations to all involved in this special evening especially the winners, Matthew Dibb-Fuller, Matthew Williams, Michael Scholz and their tutor, Nathan Vasanthan from University of West London.
Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala who so passionately support students. A special mention also to Andrew Merrett, Marketing and Communications Director, CH&Co Group, emceed flawlessly ensuring the focus was deservedly on the students.
The last special mention goes to the Zest Quest Asia sponsors: Tilda, Panasonic, Koppertcress, Hilton, Regale, Cobra Beer, Bidfood and Glengoyne. The competition and awards couldn’t take place without your support.