Country Range to inspire new talent
Student Chef Challenge aims to show “great benefits” of career in catering
Country Range Group is aiming to turn negative perceptions about a career in catering on their head by recognising the best emerging talent.
Student chefs from all over the UK are being challenged to show off their talents as part of the foodservice group’s annual competition, with entries now open for the 2019/20 contest.
And it’s hoped that demonstrating the opportunities available within the hospitality sector at the competition – called the Country Range Student Chef Challenge – will change the minds of those youngsters concerned about following a path into the industry due to short-term, part-time, low-paid and low-skilled jobs.
“A career in the hospitality industry is often seen as a negative path to take, so we hope the Country Range Student Chef Challenge can help change these unfair perceptions,” said Country Range Group Marketing Manager Emma Holden, who organises the event.
“With a supposed skills shortage on the way, it’s vital we show young people the great many benefits of working in the catering industry so hopefully the Challenge can be a glimpse into what the future holds for them.
“A number of our previous entrants have gone on to work in top restaurants so it just shows how the Challenge can be a springboard for greater success.”
Run in partnership with the Craft Guild of Chefs, the Country Range Student Chef Challenge is seen by many as the pinnacle for catering students looking to showcase their culinary skills under competition conditions and has played a huge role in developing young chefs and talent around the UK.
This year’s competition will focus on how students use classic techniques to get the most out of ingredients and reduce food wastage.
For 2019/20, teams will be asked to plan, prepare and present and three-course, four-cover meal in an hour and a half, with starters to include a filleted flat fish, the main to be a three bone loin of pork, and lemon tart with a modern twist for dessert.
Competing chefs will go head to head in regional heats at the end of January and beginning of February 2020, with the grand final set to be held at the Hospitality, Catering and Restaurant Show at London’s ExCel in March.
For information on the competition or to register your interest, visit the Country Range Student Chef Challenge website.
Competition Country Range Country Range Group Emma Holden hopsitality Student Chef Challange
