Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or finalists announced as contest gains new partners
New Toque d’Or partners Loch Fyne Seafood and Grill, the Elephant, Arbutus, Firmdale Hotels and Corbin & King will provide insight and coaching to regional heat-winning teams from University College Birmingham, Blackpool and The Fylde College, Doncaster College, City of Glasgow College, Sheffield City College and Westminster Kingsway College.
George Vezza, managing director of Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland, said: “We are talking about working with industry ‘heroes’ for many of our students and it is an incredible opportunity for them.
“What a great testament to our industry, that many of the biggest names in hospitality are willingly giving their time and energy to help shape this year’s Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or contest.”
The six finalist teams were named after a series of showdowns which saw them assessed by judges on cooking, managing and delivering service to a table of diners who also gave critical input.
James Tanner, TV chef and chairman of judges, said: “A Toque d’Or candidate is a candidate that you immediately recognise as having something to offer ‘over and above’ expectation.
“It’s going to be a truly memorable finals event that will be a life-changing experience for our student teams.”
The Grand Finals of the Toque d’Or are set to take place 18-22 March and will be comprised of a series of challenges aimed to test the teams’ ability to deliver a streamlined culinary experience.
The location of the Grand Finals has not yet been announced.
