Association Culinaire Française promoting French culinary arts in the UK

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Press release - NW Escoffier Challenge a success

The North West Regional Final of the Association Culinaire Francaise (ACF) 'Escoffier Challenge' took place this week, with competitors flocking to Tameside College to compete against other professional chefs for a place in the national finals in London's Westminster College in October.

Winner of 1st prize John Walker and Peter Cooke, NW Branch President.

The Escoffier Challenge is a catering competition held across Europe throughout the year, with the European final taking place in Paris France. The North West heats had a number of competitors using their culinary skills to progress to the national final.

A range of ingredients were provided to each contestant consisting of vegetables, chicken, fish and prawns and they had 3 hours to prepare a meal. The judges included Gerado Morese, Executive Chef at the Alma Lodge in Stockport, Grassington House Hotel Chef and owner John Rudden, and Noel Cheseldine, Executive Chef of Players Restaurant, which is owned by Andrew Flintoff. All judged the meals on hygiene, health & safety, presentation and taste.

The winner of the Professional Regional Final was Robert Walker, who is a chef at the White Hart Inn in Manchester. Robert won a specialised embroidered chef's jacket, £250, a certificate, and progressed to the National Finals, preparing to represent the country if he progresses through the next event.

The winner of the Regional Final for 'trainees and level 3 students' was Ashley Brooke. He won a specialised embroidered chef's jacket, £200, a certificate, and progressed to the National Final, preparing to represent the country if he progresses through the next event.

It's fantastic that Tameside College have been able host a respected event. Each competitor did very well, and we wish Robert & Ashley the best of luck throughout the competition and their career.

Peter Cooke, Catering tutor & President of the North West Branch of the ACF

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