TUCO: calling all university caterers…

The University Caterers Association (TUCO) is now accepting entries
for its annual culinary skills competitions. They pit TUCO members
against each other in individual and team challenges, and this year
there is a new event: the Cook & Serve Challenge.

Salon Culinaire
TUCO has added four new classes to the 2017 TUCO Salon Culinaire:
amuse bouche, afternoon tea cakes, cookie challenge and tray bake
display. Classes are not restricted to chefs. Judges will offer written
feedback to all entrants, including advice on how to improve future
submissions and technique.

Bar Competition
The TUCO bar competition showcases exceptional bar talent. Working
against the clock, entrants will be asked to prepare a sharing drink,
signature cocktail, and beer or cider cocktail, and will face a time
challenge to test how many gin and tonics they can make in one minute.

Barista Skills Challenge
Contestants will be required to produce four espressos, four cappuccinos
and four espresso-based, non-alcoholic speciality drinks against the clock.
While they do this, they will have to deliver a live commentary to the
audience, explaining their creations and demonstrating their knowledge.

Campus Speed Cook Challenge
This challenge tests chefs' ability to cook and serve two plates of a hot
dish in 30 minutes, using rice, pasta or a grain as the main component.

Chefs' Challenge
This team competition tests teamwork, ability and flair by challenging
pairs of chefs to cook a three-course meal for two from a list of
ingredients supplied three weeks prior to the event.

Cook & Serve Challenge
This new competition draws together front and back of house, by
challenging a chef, commis and front of house team member to
prepare and serve a three-course meal for six covers.

TUCO: calling all university caterers…
All competitions will take place at the University of Warwick on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 April. For details of how to enter, go to www.tuco.ac.uk. Entries are open until 5pm on 31 January