A fundraising dinner at Marlborough Boys' College has raised about $1100 to go towards buying kitchenware for food technology students participating in national culinary competitions.

The dinner, held in the school hall on Friday last week, drew 42 diners who enjoyed some of Marlborough's finest culinary delights.

Year 12 food technology students Jamie Perrott and Daniel Davidson helped cook and plate a four-course menu featuring Marlborough salmon, scallops and twice-cooked pork belly. Former boys' college student and Christchurch Polytech Institute of Technology South Island Chef of the Year Lawrence Purser put together the menu.

Marlborough Boys' College teacher in charge of food technology, Carolyn Brown, said the money raised would be placed in the school's culinary fare account to buy equipment required for competitions such as the annual New Zealand Culinary Fare in Auckland.

Jamie and Daniel had each spent about $200 on plates at this year's competition, Mrs Brown said.

Plate selection was especially important for presentation.

"When you're presenting a dish, it's all about creativity," she said.

A team of about 13 food technology students, from year 9 to 13, helped out on the night.

Mrs Brown managed the event, directing students to do the likes of front of house, organise entertainment, polish cutlery, set tables and arrange the Pasifika-themed decorations.

"It was all about values education - the pleasure of providing a service and providing it well," she said.

Mr Purser was thrilled about the event's "overall success".

Aside from the positive feedback about the food, it had been a good learning experience for all involved, he said. The students had fun and enjoyed the pressure both in the kitchen and front of house. "It's not easy to make an event happen like that in a short amount of time but I know a lot of people can't wait for the next one."

- The Marlborough Express

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