Gold Award Served to Warwick
April 2010
Warwick Conferences (part of the University of Warwick) is celebrating after trainee manager Ramkumar Govindaswamy won gold in the 17th annual TUCO (The University Caterers' Organisation) Chefs and Food Service Skills Challenge.
Designed to test and showcase the special talents of food service staff, the annual competition challenges competitors to use all their skills, abilities and imagination to provide a first class meal experience.
The competition comprises of two elements: the preparation where finalists were asked to design a menu card for lunch, and a live final. During the live element, Ramkumar was required to lay-out, serve and clear a three course meal with wine and coffee, for four people.
Judged on his overall ability to undertake table service in a live competition, Ramkumar scooped gold by impressing judges with his design of the table lay-up, serving of an ‘amuse bouche' (a single bite sized hors d'oeuvre), a plated main course, silver serving of potatoes and vegetables, a plated dessert selection, two wines, water, tea and coffee.
Julie Taylor, events and operations manager comments: "This is the first year that Warwick Conferences has entered the TUCO's Food Service Skills Challenge, and competition for the top prize was fierce. Ramkumar may have been surprised to win, but we had every confidence in him and are thrilled his talents have been recognised by such a respected authority."
"He certainly is an excellent ambassador for Warwick Conferences and all we stand for. He thoroughly impressed the judges who praised his attention to detail, calmness under pressure and fantastic skills in restaurant service."
By winning gold, Ramkumar picked up a prize package including certificate, coveted gold trophy plus a night's stay in luxury accommodation, dinner at a top class restaurant and £300 spending money.
TUCO is the University Caterers' Organisation. The annual Food Service Skills Challenge is open to all TUCO member Universities and Colleges and acknowledges and rewards the top service staff in the higher education sector. The Challenge was part of this year's TUCO Competitions and Training Event, which was held on 22nd - 23rd March 2010 at Blackpool and Fylde College and Blackpool Hilton Hotel.
