CELEBRATING THE BEST OF CORNISH PRODUCE!

Over the years, the Cornish Challenge has become the focal point of culinary expertise for the region. Since its inception, standards of cookery and the expectations of the judging teams have increased immensely and as a consequence this event has become the pinnacle of local gastronomic potential

For 2008 we are planning a lively new format and want you to submit a menu which you believe allows you to demonstrate the skills of you and your team.  We’re  particularly looking for menus which are a real showcase of dishes, prepared in January (the final will be held on the 28th Januruary 2007 at Cornwall College Camborne) that use the very best of fresh local produce – popular menu choices that you are confident of cooking and that celebrate the quality and diversity of Cornish produce.

This year the competition will again include a food service element which will allow teams to offer a cook and serve “package” for the judges involved.

As in previous years there is an educational element to this year’s Cornish Challenge with some Careers Advisors invited to the event so they can get some insight into the skills required by the Hospitality Industry – and the training offered.  We want to encourage more young people in Cornwall to consider a career in catering which will have an obvious benefit to catering establishments in the region. Your entry will not only heighten the profile of Cornish food but will now create more awareness among young people of the potential of careers in the hospitality industry and that “It’s cool to cook”

If this event excites you, you will need to:

• To submit a 3 course menu using Cornish seasonal ingredients – (organic would be interesting) based on the fact the competition will be run in February
• Ensure that the menu will have a Cornish theme and it will include a beef dish of your choice and a fish and/or shellfish dish.
• Provide a vegetarian choice to complement your menu.
• A dessert to complement your menu
• Your requirements need to be based on producing 22 meals and you will have a budget of £200 to do so. Teams do not have to supply costing – they will be given a cheque for £200 at the competition.

• Field a team of four chefs (the College will supply a commis/runner) and up to two food service staff who will be required to co-ordinate a team of Cornwall College student waiting staff on the evening. The Front of House team will be judged alongside the chefs for their organisational abilities and their customer service skills. The Front of House team will be supplied with two tables and chairs sufficient for 20 covers and will be allowed to hire cutlery and crockery of their choice from a nominated supplier. Menus and table decorations will be the responsibility of the competing team and £50 will be allocated to cover those expenses and will be reimbursed along with the chef’s budget.

• Assured that the competition will be judged on the skills and expertise of the team members themselves – mistakes made by the students who support the event will NOT be taken into account. However, each team will be asked to nominate a student who has shown particular skills/enthusiasm on the night.

Menus must be submitted no later than Monday 3rd December 2007 when they will be judged by 4 independent judges on Monday 10th December 2007. Please do not state your name on the menu forms but do ensure a covering sheet is sent with the menus (these will be removed before judging).

FULL competition details will be issued to the finalists. There will be a meeting arranged, prior to the event, with the judges and an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the kitchens and restaurant at the College.

The six winning teams will then be notified by Friday 14th December 2007. Finalists will be asked to prepare their menus for the competition on Monday 28th January 2008 sourcing their own ingredients with evidence of Cornish origin.

We look forward to receiving your entry.  If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Julie on 01872 552121 or email julie@doblefoods.co.uk .