Erik Barre named Chef of the university caterer's competition
Erik Barre from the University of Nottingham was crowned Chef of the Year at this year's annual competition for in-house university caterers held by The University Caterers' Association (TUCO Ltd) in Blackpool this month.
His winning menu consisted of wild mushroom risotto and chicken ballotines with prosciutto ham.
Aaron Tong, Andrew Lewis and Richard Narramore of University of Exeter won the Chef's Challenge serving up a menu of guinea fowl scotch egg, smoked mash and Madeira jus while Lionel Lachasseigne from University of Essex won the Food Service Skills prize. Valeria Mazza won the inaugural Barista Skills Challenge for creating a highly innovative signature coffee - ‘Pistachio Ice-cream Americano'.
Peter Griffiths MBE, hospitality and cuisine expert and Chairman of Judges added: "I have been involved with TUCO Skills Competitions for nearly 20 years and I'm proud to say that the quality just keeps on getting better and better! Teams are also demonstrating a real understanding of national issues such as health and wellness and incorporating healthy options in their menus, which are delicious and appetizing.
"One of the things that has been particularly evident in 2013 is the learning and sharing of knowledge across university teams, and despite the competitive buzz in the air, a sense of camaraderie was apparent."
TUCO Ltd is a membership organisation offering support to both in-house caterers and suppliers to the industry.