Learners Eddie Randell, Miles Burton, and Cam McGinty from the Catering and Hospitality course have found the recipe for success as they head to the national Zest Quest Asia Finals this week.
Cam, Eddie, and Miles will create a delicious and inspiring four-course meal for the panel of judges, including Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala, and Vice-President of the Craft Guild of Chefs, Steve Munkley. Judging will focus on a range of criteria, from workmanship, presentation, taste, and authenticity.
Speaking about the importance of Zest Quest Asia, chef and competition founder Cyrus Todiwala said, “This competition recognises talent in Asian cuisine among young student chefs, and it has already helped to change the perspective of Asian cookery among hundreds of budding chefs.”
Founded by legendary Indian chef, Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL, the competition which is now in its eleventh year is a student-focused culinary competition inspired by Asia’s growing presence on the global stage. Each year, aspiring chefs demonstrate their skills and knowledge of the wide variety of Asian cuisine, with six College teams making it to the Final Cook-Off round held at University of West London.
Students from across the country are vying for the winning prize, a once in a lifetime tour to a soon-to-be-revealed Asian destination to explore the heart of classical Asian cuisine. Previously, Loughborough College learners have previously been commended at the Zest Quest Asia Awards, winning The Andrew Bennett MBE Award for Best Teamwork in 2022.
This year, the team are going for gold as Curriculum Manager for Catering and Hospitality, Darren Creed shared, “It’s fantastic to see our learners make it to the Zest Quest Asia Final and I am so pleased for Cam, Eddie, and Miles.
“I’m also thrilled for new lecturer Grace McGreal, who will be mentoring the team. We love to get learners involved in competitions and events like Zest Quest Asia, who do so much great work to inspire the next generation of chefs.”
Good luck, Team LouColl! We can’t wait to see what fantastic feasts you create.