North Devon catering students impress

CATERING students from North Devon College were keen to impress the area s only Michelin starred chef at a hot culinary contest. Their creative flair in the kitchen was tested during the annual First Year Cookery Competition under the watchful eyes of Mar

CATERING students from North Devon College were keen to impress the area's only Michelin starred chef at a hot culinary contest.Their creative flair in the kitchen was tested during the annual First Year Cookery Competition under the watchful eyes of Mark Dodson from The Masons Arms at Knowstone.As part of the study programme, staff actively encourage the learners to enter national and regional catering competitions and this particular contest was aimed at developing their confidence in pursuing individual ideas and helping them become familiar with working under pressure.The 20 who entered had just over an hour to prepare a dish of their own design from a selection of fresh local ingredients including chicken and cod.It was won by Dan Strong, who cooked herb-encrusted fillet of cod on a bed of crushed new potatoes and Savoy cabbage with a light tomato coulis. Karl Partridge and James Borley were the runners up."The overall standard of the dishes was excellent and it was difficult to select a winner,'' said Mark Dodson.The finalists now have the opportunity to undergo work experience at the Masons Arms alongside Mark.Find out more about the college's Hospitality and Catering courses or any other avenue of study by calling the Guidance Centre on (01271) 338125.