Foodie competition heats up for eight college teams

Finalists have been announced as wholesaler chef competition reaches its final leg

Eight college teams have reached the final of Country Range Student Chef 2018/2019. Following an intense semi-final earlier this month, the finalists will now go head to head at Scotland’s biggest food and drink show, ScotHot, on Wednesday 13 March.

South Eastern Regional College in Bangor will be representing Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, Coventry College, University of Derby and Loughborough College will be competing for the Midlands and colleges from Ayrshire, Carlisle, Glasgow, Newcastle will be flying flag for the north and Scotland.

This year’s theme focuses on the core skills and techniques studied on a second-year professional cookery course, testing the students’ knowledge of both classical cooking and the more modern methods of the last 25 years.

Teams of three students are required to plan, prepare and execute a three-course, four-cover menu in 90 minutes. The prize for the winning team for is a day work experience placement at a Michelin-starred restaurant, as well as being taken on foodie tour of London which includes a guided tour of the capital’s famous Billingsgate Market where they will be taught fish filleting skills by the resident master fishmonger.

“A huge well done to the eight finalists and good luck to them all in the final stage at ScotHot,” commented Chris Basten, the Craft Guild of Chefs’ Chairman of Judges.

“The quality of dishes presented by the students was sensational, showing real technique, creativity and attention to detail with every ingredient. If this is a sign of what’s to come then I can’t wait for the final.”

Country Range Student Chef Challenge Organiser Emma Holden said:

“The standard of cooking by the students was absolutely amazing with the level of skills shown getting better every Challenge. This year’s theme tests the student’s knowledge of both classical and modern cooking and we definitely saw some fantastic creativity and flavours with their dishes. It’s all set up for a fantastic finale at ScotHot!”

Ayrshire College Carlisle College Country Range Country Range Student Chef 2018/2019 Coventry College Glasgow College Loughborough College Newcastle College South Eastern Regional College University of Derby