Cymoedd learners serve up culinary delights

A group of Hospitality and Catering learners from Coleg y Cymoedd’s Nantgarw campus travelled to Llandrillo College, North Wales to compete in the Welsh International Culinary Championships.  The event which is held every February, is designed to celebrate the nation’s fantastic culinary skills and rich array of quality food.

The three day event provided the learners with an opportunity to showcase their culinary creativity, whilst developing real-life” catering skills and experience under intense pressure situations.

During the competition the learners who are studying Professional Cookery qualifications at Coleg y Cymoedd were set timed challenges in the kitchen to prepare dishes including Welsh Lamb, Seasonal game, classic fish fillets, cold deserts; prepare fruit and vegetable cuts and showcase their skills of napkin folding.

The Hospitality and Catering learners making up ‘Team Cymoedd’ Raj Singh, Maxine Robinson, Ryan Desmier, Alys Evans, Lucy Alchin, Jess Thomas and Matt Owens competed in a number of competitions, winning an array of medals between them during the three days. These included 6 Best in Class, 1 Gold medal, 13 Silver medals, 10 Bronze medals, 3 Certificates of Merit and 2 Eco Awards.

Course Tutor Ian Presgrave who accompanied the learners on their trip to North Wales said” The Culinary Team are a credit not only to themselves but to Coleg y Cymoedd. The competition puts them under a lot of pressure due to the time allocated and the high standard of competitors but our learners certainly rose to the challenge!”

Keen to demonstrate their winning skills back at the college the Team invited family and staff members to a culinary luncheon at Nant Restaurant, Nantgarw campus. The guests were treated to some mouth-watering dishes prepared and served by the successful learners.

Raj Singh aged 18 years from Cardiff, studying Level 3 Professional Cookery said “The competition was a great experience, it gave us the opportunity to test our skills against some of the most talented industry chefs. I also enjoyed entertaining my family at the Nant restaurant to show them the skills that I’ve learnt and the types of dishes that we serve during our course”.

For more information or to apply for a Hospitality and Catering courses, contact Learner Services on 01443 662800 or visit www.cymoedd.ac.uk

“

Share!