Graham Hornigold | Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or 2016

Hakkasan Group Executive Pastry Chef, Graham Hornigold, and other big name chefs come together in support of the Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or 2016.

Among those that showed their support for the 36 catering teams who competed at the regional finals include Graham Hornigold, Executive Pastry Chef for Hakkasan Group, David Atkinson, Executive Chef at Pennyhill Park Hotel, Andy Stacey, former Chef at Relais & Châteaux Hotels and Andrej Prokes, Chef Consultant for Nestlé Professional and former Executive Sous Chef at The Ritz London and The Fat Duck in Bray.

>>> Related: Toque d'Or 2015

A former Toque d’Or student, Graham believes providing young chefs and managers with this kind of guidance and inspiration is invaluable. Graham said: “In a climate where you can’t move for talk of the skills shortage, there is no doubt that competitions like Toque d’Or are hugely valuable to the Industry. Not only do they encourage and inspire students at the very start of their journey, but they help to hone the skills of the new generation of hospitality talent coming up through the ranks.” For Graham, developing talent is more about introducing students to the pressures and issues affecting chefs than producing great food. He said: “The young chefs do need to accept from day one that this job isn’t going to be a picnic; it’s hard work in a professional kitchen. This is what’s so unique about the competition – it forces students to consider the bigger picture; not only the cooking but all the ancillary elements like ordering, budgeting and time management." At the regional finals each chef headed up a culinary masterclass which the students served to guests as part of a special three course meal. The six winning teams from the regional heats will automatically earn £1000 for their college with all students competing in the grand finals receiving a £100 cash prize. The six teams going through to the grand finals include City of Glasgow College, Gloucestershire College, Sheffield City College, University College Birmingham, University of Derby Buxton and York College. They will each compete in the four day grand final which involves a surprise series of unique twists and challenges.

For further information go to www.nestle-toquedor.co.uk. You can also find Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or on social media either on Facebook – Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or – or on Twitter @NestleToquedor #Toquedor2016

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