A team from Suffolk New College have reached the finals of a prestigious national contest.
Originally set up in 2012, the UK Young Restaurant Team of the Year competition sees two chefs and one front of house expert go dish to dish against other colleges in the country.
After progressing through to heats, the Suffolk New College group will now be travelling to the Skills for Chefs conference in Sheffield on 25 June.
Whilst in Yorkshire, five teams will battle it out to win a top prize that will include a three-day trip to San Sebastien in Spain.
Davide Oggero, 19, from Ipswich is on a level three pastry and confectionary course and he is one of the chefs. This is his third time in the competition where he has previously won best use of British Beef and the best dish award. Davide – who also works for The Greyhound in Pettistree said: “We went to Winchester for the semi-finals and we cooked three dishes. It took three and a half hours. We were told we had the best dessert. It would be amazing to become the best restaurant team in the country.”
Brandon Dunnett, 17, from Ipswich is on a level three cookery course. Brandon – who also works for Venue 16 Steakhouse near Tuddenham said: “We had practised so many times we were able to focus and keep our heads. We’ve had loads of constant support from the college and lots of professionals who have come in and tasted our dishes to help us elevate them. To win would be a big breakthrough for our careers.”
Heaven Wilson, 18, from Ipswich is on a level three supervisory course. Heaven said: “I did the front of house, laid the table, made a mocktail, served the dishes and then did some wine pairing. During this, I have learnt that there are loads of different ways you can do front of house. We are a good team and we communicate well. I’m happy we got through and hopefully we will win (the final). It would be amazing.”
Daniel Russell-Poole worked as head chef of The Brewers in Rattlesden and The Angel in Stoke by Nayland before becoming a lecturer at Suffolk New College. Daniel said: “Our students have had a number of great successes over the last two years and I’m so proud of the team. To win this accolade would be the icing on the cake.”