Winners of Annual Scottish Chefs Nespresso Professional Student Coffee Challenge revealed
Scottish Chefs, Scotland’s official National Organisation for all chefs in Scotland and member of The World Association of Chefs Societies, has once again teamed up with Nespresso Professional for the student coffee challenge to help find the next generation of culinary stars.
The winning team from Edinburgh College, Milton Campus each received an invite to Scottish Chefs 30th anniversary celebration lunch where they met Andy Cuthbert, World Chefs newly elected President, and were presented with a Nespresso M100 coffee machine for their college.
This year, Scottish Chefs will also release a special anniversary cookbook as it celebrates its 30th year, where the winning recipes will also be included.
Teams were made up of three students, all in full time catering and hospitality college courses, and were given two hours to produce an afternoon tea selection alongside Nespresso coffee.
The judging panel of Joe Queen, Chair of The Scottish Chefs Culinary Committee, Kevin MacGillivray Chief Executive of Scottish Chefs & International World Chefs Accredited Judge, Derek Johnston, the first winner of BBC’s Masterchef: The Professionals and Gary Shanks, Nespresso Account Manager for the East of Scotland were looking for a well-presented table and a front-of-house server demonstrating effective communication and interaction skills with guests.
For the chefs, they sought a display of both modern and traditional cooking methods that showcased a variety of skills, as well as adherence to hygienic working practices.
The winning menu from Jenny MacLeod, Eileen Ingle and Emilia Lawandowska was made up of Leek, Mushroom & Gruyere Tart, Coffee Chicken Pie, Apple & Coffee Meringue Tart and Coffee & Chocolate Choux au Caquelon.
The judges commented on how each element of their afternoon tea was well cooked and was full of flavour which highlighted the coffee and various technical skills which ultimately made the team from Edinburgh College, Milton Campus victorious.
Gary Shanks, Nespresso Account Manager for the East of Scotland, said: “It was a privilege to once again support this competition, and help support the next generation of culinary superstars.
“It was inspiring to see the skills and imagination on display to create incredible menus to complement our coffee. When food is this delicious, being able to offer the best coffee is something we feel extremely passionate about.
“Congratulations to the winners from Edinburgh College, the standard was so high, so they should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.”
Joe Queen, Chair of The Scottish Chefs Culinary Committee, said: “It was very encouraging to see the interest from colleges throughout Scotland that participated. The support that the young chefs and servers received from their respective college lecturers was fantastic.
And then from the students came the imagination, the innovation and the team work to help produce brilliant Afternoon Teas. Scottish Chefs now hope now that this competition can go from strength to strength and help build up an array of talented youngsters.
Well done to Edinburgh Milton College campus who also were very worthy winners last year, there must be something in the Edinburgh air! We all look forward to next year.”
The Scottish Chefs 30th anniversary celebration lunch took place at Murrayfield recognising 30 years of promoting excellence in all areas of the hospitality industry in Scotland. Mairi Gougeon MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands joined as guest speaker.