Cyrus Todiwala FIH, co-founder of the much-anticipated student culinary competition, announced the judges’ picks this week. Going forward to the finals are student teams from Cheshire College South & West, Loughborough College, New College Durham, North Hertfordshire College, The Sheffield College and University College Birmingham. Having reached the main stage of the competition, budding chefs will now be challenged not only to demonstrate their ability to prepare a four-course, Asian-inspired menu but to prove they have the knowledge and understanding of the deeper culture behind their chosen dishes.
The finals will consist of two-parts: a 15-minute knowledge presentation to be held on 26 February at the Hilton London Wembley, followed by a live cook off on 27 February. This is the second year running that the University of West London will be hosting the live cook off in its state-of-the-art training kitchens in Ealing. Among the rules of the competition are that students must use product from headline sponsor Tilda Rice, and that a Panasonic combination oven features in the process of creating their menu.
The winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner and Awards Night at Hilton London Wembley on 27 February, following a canapé reception prepared by current Zest Quest Asia champions University of West London. The highlight of the evening will be the big reveal – which Asian country the overall champions will be visiting for a one-week “trip of a lifetime”.
Cyrus Todiwala FIH said, “The judges and I can’t wait to see the extent of the finalists’ talent and ambition during the cook-offs and also how much knowledge of Asian food they can pack into their presentations. Steve Munkley, our chair of judges, and I held tutorials with the college lecturers and tutors before the students submitted their entries, so we know these teams have the support they need to succeed in this rigorous competition.
“When we say that everyone wins just by competing in Zest Quest Asia, we mean that sincerely because these student chefs will learn so much more about Asian tastes, flavours and techniques than they could ever have dreamed of. Zest Quest Asia is only the beginning.”
Tickets are now available priced at £110pp, or £1,000 per table of 10 for the 3-course Gala Dinner with wines to be prepared by Cyrus Todiwala and friends, and includes the drinks reception.
Special accommodation rates for Zest Quest Asia gala dinner guests are also available at Hilton London Wembley.
Follow this link to book your ticket
Zest Quest Asia was launched in 2013 by Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala FIH with the support of the Master Chefs of Great Britain.
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