Pictured above: Trainee manager Ramkumar Govindaswamy of
Warwick Conferences
Coventry based, Warwick Conferences (part of the University of
Warwick) is celebrating after trainee manager Ramkumar Govindaswamy
from Leamington Spa won gold in the 17th annual TUCO (The
University Caterers' Organisation) Chefs and Food Service Skills
Challenge.
Designed to test and showcase the special talents of food
service staff, the annual competition challenges competitors to use
all their skills, abilities and imagination to provide a first
class meal experience.
The competition comprises of two elements: the preparation where
finalists were asked to design a menu card for lunch, and a live
final. During the live element, Ramkumar was required to lay-out,
serve and clear a three course meal with wine and coffee, for four
people.
Judged on his overall ability to undertake table service in a
live competition, Ramkumar scooped gold by impressing judges with
his design of the table lay-up, serving of an 'amuse bouche' (a
single bite sized hors d'oeuvre), a plated main course, silver
serving of potatoes and vegetables, a plated dessert selection, two
wines, water, tea and coffee.
Julie Taylor, events and operations manager comments: "This is
the first year that Warwick Conferences has entered the TUCO's Food
Service Skills Challenge, and competition for the top prize was
fierce. Ramkumar may have been surprised to win, but we had every
confidence in him and are thrilled his talents have been recognised
by such a respected authority."
"He certainly is an excellent ambassador for Warwick Conferences
and all we stand for. He thoroughly impressed the judges who
praised his attention to detail, calmness under pressure and
fantastic skills in restaurant service."
By winning gold, Ramkumar picked up a prize package including
certificate, coveted gold trophy plus a night's stay in luxury
accommodation, dinner at a top class restaurant and £300
spending money.
TUCO is the University Caterers' Organisation. The annual Food
Service Skills Challenge is open to all TUCO member Universities
and Colleges and acknowledges and rewards the top service staff in
the higher education sector. The Challenge was part of this year's
TUCO Competitions and Training Event, which was held on 22nd - 23rd
March 2010 at Blackpool and Fylde College and Blackpool Hilton
Hotel.