Competition heats up for food student Ben

Competition heats up for food student Ben

Ben Smith, a hospitality and catering student at Tameside College, has qualified for the finals of the prestigous Nestle Toque d’Or professional cookery competition 2020. 

The annual Nestle Toque d’Or competition pits students from across the UK against one another, in a series of heats, to find the best young chef in the industry. Ben produced a Moroccan parsnip stew with couscous to impress the judges and qualify for the final. 

Ben will now compete against six other chefs in a tour of London restaurants, culminating in the creation of a high-end banquet for judges. 

Ben, a former Co-op Academy Failsworth student, said: “The whole experience of Toque d’Or is amazing, it’s like nothing else I have ever done. It’s not just about being a better chef, but building confidence and becoming an all-rounder. I am very excited to be through to the finals and to have something like this on my CV is a huge boost. I just hope that I can win now.” 

John Holden, food and beverage teacher and restaurant manager at Tameside College, said: “I am extremely pleased with Ben for reaching the finals. He has developed as a person and as a chef whilst with the college and this is the due to of all his efforts. I really hope that he can go on to win and am sure he will do great things in the industry, in the future.” 

After leaving the college, Ben aims to work in a Michelin star restaurant as a chef de partie. To find out more about hospitality and catering courses at Tameside College, call 0161 908 6600.



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