A TALENTED trio of students from Warrington have proved they can stand the heat in the kitchen by reaching the semi-finals of a top catering competition.
The threesome from Warrington Collegiate – Sam Shawcross, Toni Comerford and Siobhan Lindsay – will now 
compete in the semi-finals of the Nestle Toque D’Or competition.
The competition, which boasts James Martin and Jamie Oliver among previous competitors, sets teams of three students the ‘master chef style’ challenge of cooking a healthy lunch for six covers, two for judging and four for invited diners, in two hours.
Students are judged on everything from the food they serve to the design of the menu, presentation and service on the day.
Warrington’s trio are the youngest team in the competition.
Head chef, 18-year-old Sam Shawcross, from Woolston, said: “It is a lot of hard work, but a massive opportunity as we will be judged by top chefs in the industry. I’m really enjoying it – the rewards are fantastic if you win”
Commis chef Siobhan,17, from Dallam and the youngest in the competition, addsed: “You’ve got to make sure your food is just right and meets the strict criteria of the competition. It’s really, really fun and exciting.”
Front of house for the team, 17-year-old Toni, from Birchwood said: “It’s amazing but scary.”
All three are now practising and perfecting their mouth-watering menu, which has an Indian theme. Diners will enjoy tandoori of local goat served with coconut rice, spice straws and pea polti followed by a refreshing mint mousse with chocolate bubble and cardamom ice cream lassi.
Clare Lowbridge, lecturer in Hospitality and Catering at Warrington Collegiate, said: “The hard work and dedication which the students have put in to get to this stage of the competition is immense. The team must now pull out all the stops to demonstrate not only their cooking skills but also their creativity, and attention to detail to beat off the other competitors. The Toque D’Or is the pinnacle of achievement for catering students and I’m really proud of the team for having reached the semi-finals.”
The college’s Spring Open Evening will take place on Tuesday March 27 when prospective students can meet and talk to staff and current students about courses and their future career.
Picture: Left to right, Sam Shawcross, Toni Comerford and Siobhan Lindsay
Talented trio reach semi-finals
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
