Bay of Plenty Polytechnic students Janice Ward, Sasha Turfrey and Kristina McLaren have won silver medals at the prestigious 2015 Nestle Toque d'Or competition.
Culinary students Janice and Sasha went head-to-head with hospitality students from around the country to win silver at the event held in Auckland. Restaurant service student Kristina who also formed part of the competing team, picked up another silver medal.
Janice and Sasha battled it out for over three hours against 11 other teams from around the country to create their medal winning three course menu which was served to guests by Kristina.
Throughout the live kitchen cook off, the pressure was intense as the team fought against the clock under the ever present gaze of a team of industry judges led by high profile chef and leading culinary figure Darren Wright.
Teams were marked against WorldChefs International Judging Standards which include food preparation, presentation, taste and service.
The Western Institute of Technology Taranaki was named the overall winners of the event, while a special Innovation Award sponsored by Moffat was presented to Central Campus of Otago Polytechnic for demonstrating innovative use of Nestlé Professional products across their menu.
Event organiser and New Zealand Chefs Association President Graham Hawkes said Nestlé Toque d'Or challenges competitors to 'dig deep' and achieve great results.
"There's simply no room for error and teams have to be focussed and in top form on the day. Aside from the competitive element, the event also gives the students an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in front of some of the country's most highly-regarded culinary professionals which often leads to work opportunities."
This year was the 25th anniversary of Nestlé Toque d'Or which is New Zealand's longest running and most prestigious student cookery and food service event. Aside from New Zealand, it is also held in 17 other countries around the world and has launched the careers of world-famous chefs including Jamie Oliver.
Sponsors of this year's event are: Nestlé Professional, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, vegetables.co.nz, Akaroa Salmon, House of Knives and Moffat.
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MEDAL RESULTS
Central Campus of Otago Polytechnic
Culinary Silver
FOH Silver
North Shore International Academy
Culinary Silver
FOH Bronze
Aoraki Polytechnic
Culinary Silver
FOH Bronze