Level 2 Professional Cookery student, Charlie Sexton, secured first place in the Cook and Serve Challenge at a prestigious international finals event held at UNOX headquarters in Venice, Italy.
The competition, which has grown significantly over the past four years, now attracts entries from over 70 colleges across the UK. The Unox Combiguru Catering Competition awards the highest-scoring students through its initial app test with an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy, where finalists compete in front of live judges and leading industry professionals.
Impressed Judges
Charlie impressed judges with his exceptional technical ability and creative execution. His menu featured a main course of Poached Ballotine of Chicken with Sundried Tomato Mousseline, Confit Peppers, Roasted Tomato Coulis and Crispy Chicken Skin, followed by a dessert of Lemon Custard Tartlet with Soft Meringue and Seasonal Berries.
They praised his work highly, commenting that “the main course components complemented each other well, demonstrating a strong balance of flavours and technical skill. The dessert was well executed, with fresh, well-combined flavours.”
Prize Package
As a result of his achievement, Charlie was awarded an impressive prize package, including a 15-piece professional chef knife set, a residential pizza masterclass in Italy with Scuola Italiana, and a CHEFTOP combination oven worth £6,000 for the college.
The annual UNOX competition proved to be a highly valuable and rewarding experience for all involved. Students and staff from both Richmond upon Thames and Uxbridge represented the HRUC (Harrow, Richmond & Uxbridge Colleges) group with excellence, showcasing consistently high standards, skill and commitment.
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