Major Series Heat 2 is a hit at Henley!
Heat 2 of the Major Series was a great success thanks to the impeccable organisation and high standards of first time hosts Henley College Coventry.
Major’s Executive Development Chef, Brian Eastment, Craft Guild of Chefs Judge, Wayne Harris, and the new addition to the panel of judges, Executive Head Chef of Darwin College Cambridge, Fergus Martin, were very impressed with the second heat of the now longstanding Major Series competition. Round two took place at the start of the month. Whilst it was the first time that the Midlands was located at this venue, Henley College Coventry did their utmost to ensure a highly professional and smooth running on the day.
‘Not only were we impressed with the hard work of the college, whose organization and professionalism were outstanding but it was a real pleasure to see how enthusiastic the trainee chefs were about the event and how many of them came to ask for tips and feedback to up their game for next year”, said Brian Eastment, Executive Development Chef at Major.
Recently appointed as an official judge to the Major Series, Fergus Martin was equally as pleased with the standards on the day. “What is more, many of the students made a real effort to incorporate more than one Major Product into their dishes to boost the flavour profiles,” he agreed.
The judges were “particularly impressed’ with a Decorated Chocolate Orange Gateaux in the static class. In this static round, competitors are asked to present a decorated Gateaux or Torten for at least eight portions, from which one slice is then presented to the judges as if in a restaurant. “The Gateaux which Jay Patel served us was not only delicious and beautifully crafted but thoroughly merited its Gold,” said Wayne Harris from the Craft Guild of Chefs. The Gateaux also led Jay, a student from Henley College Coventry, to win overall best in class for the static competitions. Well done Jay!
In terms of Hot Chicken, it was Danny Lanes from North Warwickshire and Hinckley College who took best in class, winning that all coveted chance to try his luck in the Major Series final. Runner-up in this class was Faye Norris.
How did Henley College Coventry feel about the competition? “We were delighted to work with Major international and the Craft Guild of Chefs on this prestigious event celebrating the Culinary and Hospitality skills across the Midlands. We are proud of all of our learners who took part and look forward to hosting next year's competition.”
Excited about how this year's competition seems to be going from strength to strength, Brian Eastment added that he is “very eager to see what else the year will bring!”