Campus Commerce wins at TUCO competition
Wednesday, 03 April 2019
The catering team from Greenlands entered the annual TUCO hospitality competitions held at Warwick University over 26 and 27 March. The competition is known to be fiercely competitive with an exceptionally high standard and this year was no different.
Our very own 'Totto' (Tonii D’Astoldo) entered the Bars Competition where he had to use his skills, inspiration and ingredient knowledge to present 3 types of cocktails, his signature cocktail “The Purple Malva”, a sharing cocktail “The Smokey Cherry Rose” and a 90-second cocktail “The Prosecco Sunset”.
Tonii performed excellently on the day, demonstrating his infectious and amusing character. One of the judges enjoyed his Prosecco Sunset so much that he presented Tonii with a bonus prize of a bottle of Gin. The best recognition came at the awards ceremony in the evening. Tonii was called up on stage for the first prize of the evening - the best signature cocktail for his “Purple Malva” a fantastic achievement that was thoroughly deserved. He was totally over the moon and we are very proud of him.
The kitchen team was represented by Head Chef Lee Springett and Clinton Milborrow, who entered the coveted 'Chefs Challenge' - producing a three-course menu in 2 hours, which had to consist of a vegetarian starter, a main course utilising a saddle of lamb and a dessert based on the Traditional Bakewell Tart.
Asoka Gunasekara entered the 'Grab and Go' challenge where he was required to prepare two courses that were designed for the takeaway market. In the 40 minutes he had, Asoka made Italian Flatbread with Grilled Sumac Chicken, pickled vegetables, crackling and a pomegranate yoghurt dressing. His dessert was an avocado and chocolate mousse with granola, raspberries, and bananas topped with popcorn.
Although they performed excellently, the kitchen team were pipped at the post this year. However, they gained much-valued knowledge and experience to utilise in their drive to go one step further next year.
These competitions are performed in front of live audiences and a team of professional judges, so the pressure is really on to hold your nerve and perform to the best of your ability.
The team performed excellently showing dedication and desire through many hours of practice sessions producing wonderful dishes and cocktails showcasing the quality that we offer to our customers on a daily basis. Our admiration goes out to all of them and congratulation to Tonii on his fantastic achievement.
