Organised by the Coleraine and Ballymena Rotary Clubs, the competition gave students the opportunity to experience the pace and pressure of a real working kitchen and restaurant environment. Competitors were tasked with creating, designing, cooking and serving a three-course menu using local, sustainable produce.
Taking first place was the team of Professional Cheffing and Hospitality students Chad Shaw, Quinn Merrigan and Samantha Wade, whose winning menu impressed judges with its traditional French-inspired theme, strong technical ability and excellent teamwork.
Chad Shaw, a student at Northern Regional College Coleraine, is studying the Professional Cookery (Preparation and Cooking) Level 2 NVQ Diploma and is completing his apprenticeship with the Adair Arms Hotel, Ballymena.
Quinn Merrigan, who was also part of the winning team, is studying the same course and is undertaking his apprenticeship with Galgorm Resort.
Supporting the team on front of house was Samantha Wade, who is currently completing a Hospitality Level 2 Traineeship at Northern Regional College while gaining industry experience with the Bushmills Inn.
Their success means they will now progress to the final at Southern Regional College in Newry on 30th April, where they will compete against teams from the other six further education colleges across Northern Ireland.
The competition was judged by Eddie McGarvey of the Salthouse Hotel, Ballycastle, and Gary Stewart of The Distillers Arms. The event formed part of the College’s ongoing commitment to providing students with meaningful industry experience, helping them develop the confidence, time management and teamwork skills needed to succeed in professional catering and hospitality environments.
Colin Wright, Catering Lecturer at Northern Regional College said: “This competition was a fantastic opportunity for our students to put their skills into practice in a realistic, high-pressure environment. They had to think carefully about menu design, work within strict time constraints and deliver a high standard of food and service throughout. Chad, Quinn and Samantha represented the College brilliantly and should be very proud of what they achieved. Competitions like this are invaluable in helping students build confidence, gain industry insight and understand what is expected in a busy professional kitchen. We wish them the very best as they go on to represent Northern Regional College in Newry.”
To find out more about hospitality and catering courses at Northern Regional College visit www.nrc.ac.uk