Entries are open for The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) 25th annual Competitions, taking place on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 March 2018 at the University of Warwick, Coventry.
TUCO’s annual event sees more than 150 entrants from universities across the UK compete against each other in a wide range of competitions and activities. In April 2017, it welcomed more than 400 delegates from the catering and higher education industries. The competitions include: Bar skills, Barista Skills Challenge, Campus Speed Cook Challenge, Chefs’ Challenge, Cook & Serve Challenge and Salon Culinaire.
Last year, four new classes were introduced to the Salon Culinaire competition including Amuse-Bouche, Afternoon Tea, Cookie Challenge and Tray Bake. The record number of entries saw its most successful year to date. Due to its success, the competition has had to expand to a larger room to allow an increased display size to showcase all of the entries.
Matthew White, Chair of TUCO, commented, “We are excited by the calibre of entries already sublimated for this year and look forward to many more. The competitions are an excellent opportunity and learning experience for the industry to come together to share their knowledge and expertise.”
Every year TUCO focuses on developing the whole competition experience. This year, enhancements include changes to the Bar Skills competition which has been upgraded to centre stage and will run over two days. The Barista Skills Challenge, also see updates and for the first time, in 2018 will allow competitors to select their own beans, giving competitors real choice and a chance to experiment with new flavour combinations. Competing in a live 15-minute competition, competitors will produce four espressos, four cappuccinos and finally four espresso-based, non- alcoholic specialty drinks.
The 2017 Barista Skills winner, Dana– Maria Danut (pictured third from left) says, 'It was an absolute honour to win, particularly since every competitor was well prepared and the standard of the competition was really high.'
White continues: “The TUCO Competitions is a good opportunity for our members to showcase their culinary talents and skills within higher and further education. I look forward to seeing what this year’s event brings.”
Competition winners are announced at the Gala Dinner on 28 March 2018. The closing date for entries is 5pm on 31 January 2018. Entry fee applies.