An East Riding College student hopes to cook up a storm in a prestigious culinary contest as she paves the way for the next generation of hospitality pioneers.
Student commis chef Ruby Goodens has reached the finals of the Nestlé Toque d’Or competition, beating hundreds of hopefuls for a coveted spot in the top six back-of-house competitors. The national finals are under way this week, with Ruby vying for the top prize – a one-week culinary trip to Italy and more.
After 400 initial entries, Ruby, who recently placed second in Unox’s Combi Guru challenge held in Venice, Italy, is just one of six back-of-house finalists to compete. The finals span several days, where students take part in an exciting series of challenges.
A thrilled Ruby said: “I’m so grateful to be here, and to have met the people I have. From exploring farms, to pizza masterclasses, it’s all been a journey. I can’t wait to see what the next few days bring.”
Her week at the Nestlé Toque d’Or competition is packed with masterclasses, farm visits, and high-pressure cooking challenges – all judged by industry leaders. Running for 37 years, the competition provides an opportunity for ambitious hospitality students, both front-of-house and back-of-house, to showcase their creativity in front of a panel of experts.
(Image: Unox)
Anthony Gascoigne, hospitality and catering course team leader at East Riding College, said: “Nestlé Toque d’Or competition is an amazing opportunity for Ruby to demonstrate her skills in such a prestigious competition on a national stage. Toque d’Or offers not just a competition but an action-packed, educational experience which will benefit Ruby in future.
“It is a great achievement to get to the finals, and we wish Ruby all the very best.” At the Combi Guru challenge, Ruby found herself among the top 40 competitors from further education colleges across the UK invited on an all-expenses trip to Venice.
The competition took place at Unox headquarters, where Ruby was given three hours to prepare a main course and dessert in the Oven Challenge. Ruby impressed the judges with her signature rack of lamb and was awarded a professional knife engraved with the competition logo, provided by Maglionero.
Rob Edwards, public sector marketing development specialist at Unox, who helped organise the competition, said: “It was a pleasure for Unox UK to host East Riding College student Ruby. She was very level-headed, calm, and executed two very good dishes.
“She should be really proud. It was fantastic to see the college entering and showcasing East Riding College as a forward-thinking education provider that gives its students the opportunity for growth and development.”