Hospitality students cook their way to victory

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Certificate in Hospitality (Professional Cookery) Level 3 students picked up seven medals at Waikato Culinary Fare 2010 held in Hamilton on 1st and 2nd July.

Now in its sixth year the event was hosted at Wintec’s Avalon Campus and attracted entries from around the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. Billed as a unique opportunity for both secondary school students and junior hospitality people working in the kitchen and restaurant areas, the annual event provided an ideal forum for young people with a passion for hospitality to display their skills, innovation and creativity. Outstanding polytechnic student Jacinda Massey picks up three medals with a Silver for her entrée and two Bronze medals for her dessert and soup dishes.

Aspiring chefs Andrew Papa, Sophie Rudolph and Hayley Neal picked up Bronzes for the Junior Level 3 Team Skills section - comprised of three team members (two chefs and one restaurant service person). The aim of this section is to cook and serve six portions of an entrée, main course and dessert; wine and water was presented and served as well. This section was judged on overall presentation, taste, look, smell and experience of the meal.

Other medals and awards went to Kat Rimaha, obtaining a Bronze for her flan, Tam Rea picking up a Bronze for her café cake and Olivia Lusby a Bronze for her pasta dish.

Future chefs Rona Otene and Chelsea Stanaway gained Merits for their salmon and dessert dishes as well.

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Hospitality Tutor Lee Pearce said “I’m very happy with the students’ overall performance; this event gives them a guide on where they are at with their training. The event also provides a great learning experience ahead of the New Zealand National Culinary Fare in September. Held at Greenlane Event Centre in Auckland, our students will be competing against some of the best hospitality students in the country; I’m confident we will provide strong competition.”

Related Links:

• Certificate in Hospitality (Professional Cookery including City & Guilds) Level 3