No flash in the pan for AUT students

TOP SERVICE: From left: AUT University students Jordan MacDonald, Elizabeth Young and Mykhel Latosa won silver medals at the premier Nestlaacé Toque d'Or competition which saw 12 tertiary teams vie for the coveted Golden Hat award.

The heat was on in the kitchen for three AUT University students, whose efforts saw them take the silver medal at the prestigious cooking and restaurant service competition, the Nestle Toque d'Or.

The coveted Golden Hat award is held in 17 countries and has helped launch the careers of famous chefs, including Jamie Oliver.

Hospitality student Elizabeth Young and culinary arts undergraduates Jordan MacDonald and Mykhel Latosa spent three months preparing to battle 11 other teams in a live kitchen cook-off which took place at Greenlane's ASB Showgrounds.

With their skills combined, the trio prepared and served six covers of a three-course meal within two-and-a-half hours.

Judged on the preparation skills, hygiene, presentation, taste and service of each course, as well use of correct terminology and recipe development, the team gained silver medals.

"We were all very happy with our result. Of course we wanted to achieve gold because that's the best you can do, but silver is nothing to laugh at," Elizabeth says.

Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology was named the overall winner while an innovation award was presented to UCOL Palmerston North.

The competition is designed to simulate the pressure of a real working team environment under the watchful gaze of 18 top industry judges which included Mt Albert resident Michael Van de Elzen.

As owner and chef of Molten restaurant and Liquid Molten, he says the competition provides an ideal forum for the country's brightest up-and-coming hospitality workers.

"It's a high-profile event that places our rising talent into an industry-type setting and encourages them to strive to be the very best that they can be," Mr Van de Elzen says.

"It opens doors for competing students and provides them with an opportunity to kick-start their careers by allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a very public forum. At the same time, the event officially recognises their talents and achievements."

Event organiser Pip Duncan says both judging and competing in the contest, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, is a challenge.

"The judges ensure that competition standards remain high. Their depth and levels of expertise make them great role models for the competing students," she says.

"It's tough so students have to be well prepared and able to perform under pressure. The judges are not an easy bunch to impress, but the students surprised with their professionalism and creativity."

- © Fairfax NZ News