, Three professional cookery students from UHI North Highland have earned places in the final of a national culinary competition.
Ted Pennington, Finlay Macdonald and Holly Preston will journey to London this week and compete to impress a panel of judges with an Asian-themed dinner menu.
The UHI students are all studying SVQ Professional Cookery at UHI North Highland’s Dornoch campus. Their lecturer, Simon Rodgers, will make the trip to London to see them compete against five other college team finalists.
Judges will announce the winning team at the Zest Quest Asia 2023 gala dinner and awards night on Friday, February 17 at the Radisson Red Hotel in London.
‘Delighted’ by the opportunity
Once in London, the students will have two hours to impress the judges’ taste buds. They will have to create a four-course meal for three, keeping to the competition theme of whichever traditional Asian cuisine the judges choose.
Ted, Finlay and Holly said they continue to work hard ahead of their trip and are ready for anything the judges throw at them.
“We as a team are delighted with the chance to cook in the finals of Zest Quest 2023.
“The opportunity to showcase our menu, cookery skills and represent UHI North Highland in London is something we are thoroughly looking forward to.
“We will keep up the hard work in preparation for the finals in the hope of taking the win of Zest Quest home to the Highlands with us.”
Opportunity of a lifetime
Sponsored by Zest Quest Asia, the aim of the competition is to raise awareness and open up career opportunities in Asian cuisine in the UK. The winning team will win a culinary study tour somewhere in Asia to hone their skills and learn new techniques.
Principal Debbie Murray called the competition the chance of a lifetime for students.
“I am immensely proud of our students and our staff in getting to the final of Zest Quest.
“This opportunity highlights the added value of studying with UHI, where we always strive to provide more than required. Good luck to Edward, Finlay and Holly.”
UHI Inverness gives students a hand with free meals and cooking lessons
Cookery is quickly becoming an integral part of the course offerings at UHI North Highland’s Thurso and Dornoch campuses.
The hospitality and professional cookery teams recently joined up with hospitality businesses to launch a new introductory course.
‘First Steps into Highland Hospitality’ combines practical, work-based learning with college study. Upon completion of the course, students are offered a job interview.
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