Compass Group UK hold their chef hats aloft in celebration as they finish fifth in the world, for Regional Teams, and win an impressive gold medal in the Regional Team Buffet Culinary Arts.
The successful team of 17 Compass chefs, from across the business, out-cooked 26 other teams to claim fifth place, in what was a highly competitive year at the 2020 Culinary Olympics in Stuttgart.
Led by Team Coach and Culinary Director for Compass Scotland, Graham Singer, Compass wowed the judges with an impressive display in the Regional Culinary Arts Buffet competition.
Showcasing their top talent, the best local produce from the UK – West Coast Langoustines, supplied by the Amity Fish Company; Tenderloin of Suffolk Pork supplied by the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board – and an awe-inspiring chocolate centrepiece, which was masterminded by Team Artist, Terry Greenhouse of Levy UK, it was no great surprise that this tremendous display took home gold.
The team created a Finger Food Menu, Platter, Five-Course Fine-Dining Gastronomic Menu, Plated Starters, Individual Plated Desserts and Petits Fours.
The foraged inspired ‘Some Call Me Nature’ display encapsulated the beauty and strength of nature and its plight. Stand-out dishes such as: Hebridean Cold Smoked & Cured Scottish Salmon, Chalk Stream Trout Galette with Dill & Horseradish Mousse, Jerusalem Artichoke Solferino & Crisp, Sea Fennel & Parsley Stalk Salad with an Antsina Vinaigrette stole the show.
Eighteen months in the making, the menu won over the judges and the way the Compass team portrayed the environmental issues facing the planet drew some notable comments from the judging team: “It was inspirational to see a team truly embrace what is currently going on in the world and its importance” and “I have judged all over the world and I have never seen anyone present a Buffet concept like this, the team really have a great understand of what is currently happening to our planet and how looking after what nature provides is so important.”
The UK’s leading food and support services provider also received a well-earned Merit in the Community Catering Restaurant Hot Kitchen, where they debuted in this category and gained some important experience to take into future competitions.
Robin Mills, MD, Compass Group UK & Ireland said of the teams, “We’re incredibly proud of what our Compass chefs have achieved at the Culinary Olympics this year. The judges’ comments from the Regional Culinary Arts Cold Buffet were very complimentary and with all the work we do as a business around the environment, it is fantastic to see this being reflected in our competition work.
“To mastermind such a display and be recognised on the international stage to secure a gold and top five position in the world, is an outstanding achievement. As a people-focused company, I hope this result inspires many of our chefs, who are the heart of our business and these results highlight the exceptional culinary skills of our brigades.”
Team Coach, Graham Singer, Culinary Director for Compass Scotland, added, “The success of the Compass UK culinary team at the 25th Culinary Olympics came from the passion, drive and commitment of each and every team member. It has been truly amazing to be a part of this team, who have achieved so much in such a short space of time.
'Coming together as a team was the beginning and working in perfect harmony is how we delivered so much success. We’ve accomplished so much more than I could ever have been imagined. This team were so proud to represent Compass UK.”