Cymoedd learners best in class at Culinary Championships

Coleg y Cymoedd hospitality and catering learners have been awarded a feast of medals and ‘Best in Class’ at a national culinary competition.

A group of Coleg y Cymoedd Hospitality and Catering learners travelled to Coleg Llandrillo, North Wales to compete in this years’ Welsh International Culinary Championships & Cake Cymru competition.

The group of Level 1, 2 and 3 Catering and Hospitality learners walked away from the three-day showcase of world class chefs from across the UK with a staggering 25 medals.

The nine learners entered a number of specialised classes including Shellfish, Bistro Sandwich, Ultimate Cupcakes, Flambé dessert, and various knife skills categories.

17 year old Alys Evans from Gilfach Goch was also hand-picked to win the ‘Best in Class’, a prestigious title only awarded to a handful of competitors from across the country.

While being presented with the award Alys said: “I am so pleased to have won three medals and in particular the Best In Class award at this Culinary Championship. The college has been very supportive and I am really grateful for the amazing opportunity.”

Ryan Desmier, 17 from Pontlottyn, also entered the Welsh Skills competition in Advanced Cookery. He excelled in his 3 hour competition completing in the allotted time and producing a Fish, chicken and apple dish. Ryan gained a very reputable second place and can now be entered in the UK skills competition.

Following the competition Ryan said “The competition was a great experience and an opportunity to expand my culinary skills. The tutors were very supportive and encouraging throughout the practise sessions and competition”

Tutor Ian Presgrave added: “The Coleg y Cymoedd culinary team was established earlier this academic year. The selected learners put in hours of practise each week culminating in the North Wales Culinary Competition at Coleg Llandrillo. All learners represented the College impeccably and in return had a very successful return for their efforts.”

The full set of medals awarded to the Coleg y Cymoedd Culinary team are:

Alys Evans                  Gold & Best in class                Ultimate Cupcakes

Alys Evans                  Silver                                  Open Novelty Cake

Alys Evans                  Bronze                                 Novice Celebration Cake

Kirsty Lees                  Merit Award                          Ultimate Cupcakes

Kirsty Lees                  Merit Award                          Gateau Making

Evan Davies                 Silver                                  Bistro Sandwich

Evan Davies                 Silver                                  Knife Skills – Fruit Cuts

Evan Davies                 Silver                                  Knife Skills – Vegetable Cuts

Evan Davies                 Merit Award                          Shellfish

Rhys Martin                  Silver                                  Knife Skills – Fruit Cuts

Rhys Martin                  Silver                                  Knife Skills – Vegetable Cuts

Rhys Martin                  Merit Award                          Welsh Lamb

Rhys Hill                      Silver                                 Welsh Beef Main

Rhys Hill                      Silver                                 Knife Skills – Fruit Cuts

Rhys Hill                      Merit Award                         Knife Skills – Vegetable Cuts

Liam Williams               Silver                                 Themed Table Setting

Liam Williams               Bronze                                Napkin Folding

Liam Williams               Bronze                                Spirit of Cocktails

Hollie Horsell                Merit Award                          Open Novelty Cake

Robert Haycox              Silver                                  Flambé Dessert

Robert Haycox              Bronze                                 Flambé Main Course

Robert Haycox              Bronze                                 Napkin Folding

Ryan Desmier               SilverSkills                         Competition Wales – Advanced Professional Cookery