Students Succeed At Street Food Challenge
22 November 2012
Andrew Collis, centre, with judges at the Tabasco Street Challenge competition.
Two Buxton students have proved they can take the heat in the kitchen after making it through to the finals of the national Tabasco Student Street Food Challenge.
The Tabasco Challenge, held in association with the Craft Guild of Chefs, aimed to find the industry's hottest young chef by inviting students to submit an original dish inspired by the flavours and tastes of Latin American, Asia, India, and the Middle East using the Tabasco range of sauces.
Anthony Ockerse, 21, from South Africa, who is in the final year of a Professional Cookery course at Buxton College, and Andrew Collis, 20, from Loughborough, who is currently studying a Foundation Degree in Professional Culinary Arts at the University of Derby Buxton, both made it down to the final 14 in London on November 5 (2012).
Andrew's recipe for Brazilian beef pastel, and Anthony's South African 'bunny chow 'curry, caught the eyes and taste buds of the panel of expert judges, although both narrowly missed out on the top prize.
Andrew said: "Developing an original recipe and then cooking in front of the judges was a fantastic experience. It was nerve wracking, but worth it to get some great feedback on my recipe."
Anthony added: "My traditional South African curry got some really nice comments. I was really happy just to make it to the final as it was the first competition I have entered. It certainly won't be the last."
Robert Stordy, Chef-Lecturer at the University of Derby, who is himself the holder of the title 'University Chef of The Year', encouraged the students to enter.
He said: "Both Anthony and Andrew did themselves and the University proud. Their recipes were inventive and original, and tasted great."
For more information on programmes at the University of Derby Buxton visit www.derby.ac.uk/udb and for Buxton College visit www.buxtoncollege.ac.uk
