A slice of skill, a pinch of panache and a dash of determination were the perfect recipe for success at the Welsh International Culinary Championships where Coleg Gwent Hospitality & Catering students scooped top prizes last month.
The team from Coleg Gwent’s Crosskeys Campus showed off their cooking skills against 200 students from colleges across the UK at the competition at Coleg Llandrillo – from sautéing chicken and filleting fish to preparing cuts of fruit and vegetables.
Students were also tested on their skills outside the kitchen with competitions in napkin folding and table presentation. Judges then awarded gold silver and bronze medals, as well as Diplomas and Merits of achievement.
Seventeen-year-old Jon Hayden from Ebbw Vale came away with two bronze medals, one silver medal, a Diploma and a Merit: “Most of the other competitors had entered the competition before and even though it was our first time our standards were just as high, and even higher sometimes, as some of the competitors. I learned a lot from the competition and we all loved being a part of it.”
Also celebrating her chefing success is 17-year-old Natalie Palfrey from Thornhill in Cwmbran. She achieved three bronze medals and a diploma: “The competition was really hard but it was good experience, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”
Seventeen-year-old Charlie Wrigley from Rogerstone won two silver medals, one bronze and four diplomas: “The competition was a great experience. Unlike most of the others in the team I’ve competed before so I’ve learned to calm my nerves as I tend to make mistakes when I’m nervous – for me it was all about just enjoying the challenge. And the certificates I won add up to a great CV so it’ll be useful in future.”
Hospitality & Catering lecturer Caroline Davies accompanied the students to the event and was really proud of what they achieved: “As well as competing in their various categories, the students were able to watch other competitors which was a fantastic opportunity to learn from others in the industry – it was a great confidence builder for them.”
