North Hertfordshire College is proud to share that four of our talented student chefs and hospitality professionals have made it through to the finals of Nestle Toque d’Or! This achievement follows their amazing performances in the regional heats.
Emily Simkins (Level 3 Professional Cookery), James Wheatley (Level 3 Professional Cookery), Alison Watson (Level 3 Hospitality Supervision), and Raheim Sadler (Level 3 Hospitality Supervision) are going on to compete for four days in a range of different challenges to showcase their skills and expertise. Sustainability is the name of the game, with the challenges focusing on home-grown, locally sourced produce. Our students, alongside the eight other competitors, will also have the opportunity to learn more about the latest culinary trends and farm-to-fork dining throughout the challenges.
Their performance will be judged by award-winning chef and restaurateur, Tommy Banks; MasterChef: The Professionals, The Festive Knockout winner Louisa Ellis; educator and well-respected sommelier and wine expert, Raul Diaz; and 2021 FOH Toque d’Or winner, Sophie Taylor. Several high-profile food service and hospitality companies will be revealed as competition partners during the Grand Finals, with each creating their own bespoke challenge for students which they’ll help judge. The awards for the competition will take place on June 30th, with a once-in-a-lifetime Brazil culinary trip just one of the brilliant opportunities available as a prize.
We spoke to the fantastic four to find out more about how they’re feeling ahead of the competition:
Alison Watson, Level 3 Hospitality Supervision
“Since starting college, my confidence has increased immensely and it was such a big and exciting challenge going into the semi-finals of the Nestle Toque d’Or competition. I cannot wait to see where the competition takes me next and I want to thank my tutors and peers for supporting me along the way.”
Raheim Sadler, Level 3 Hospitality Supervision
“I cannot stop grinning! I cannot believe this has happened to me. I have worked so hard for the last three years with lots of support from my tutor, who believed in me every step of the way. Just to get through to the semi-finals was a big achievement in itself and I cannot wait for the next step!”
Emily Simkins, Level 3 Professional Cookery
“I’m so incredibly happy to be a finalist of Toque d’Or 2023! It’s a perfect end to a college year, and I can’t wait to give this competition my all!”
James Wheatley, Level 3 Professional Cookery
“Nestle Toque d’Or is an amazing culinary competition, and to get through to the finals in its 35th anniversary year means so much to me. I’m incredibly grateful for the judges in letting me get this far and for the support I’ve already been given by my tutors, friends, and family. Next stop – the finals!”
Congratulations to our students, and we wish the best of luck to everyone competing in the finals! For more information about the challenge, please visit the Nestle Toque d’Or website.
If you’re interested in putting your own culinary or hospitality skills to the test, be sure to check out North Hertfordshire College’s Hospitality & Catering courses. With NHC, you can stay close to home and refine your skills so that you go far in your future career!