Toque d'Or: Rotorua students vie for title | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

Three Waiariki Institute of Technology students will put their skills to the test in this year's nationwide Nestle Toque d'or competition.

Culinary students Sally Vazey and Sanjoy Solomon and restaurant service student Hao Xu, will vie with 33 hospitality students from around the country.

Event organiser Pip Duncan said the competition would see the students battle it out in a live kitchen cook-off in an effort to impress and tantalise the taste buds of a panel of industry judges.

"The 12 competing teams have just 2 hours to create six covers of a three-course meal.

"Three of the covers would be served to guests at the event, while the other three would be presented to a panel of 17 judges, headed by Skycity kitchens director Mark Wylie."

With only a few weeks to go before the competition, Sally and Sanjoy said they were feeling a little nervous.

"We'll be spending the next weeks prepping, that's for sure," Sally said.

Hao said he was honoured to be competing and believed the experience would prove to be invaluable.

"I know that the experience will complement my current education and skills in hospitality management and provide me with pathways for a promising career within the industry."

Teams will be marked against a strict judging criteria that will include preparation skills, hygiene, presentation, taste and service for each course.

Marks will also be awarded for menus prepared by the teams.

"Each year, the teams take things to a new level delighting the judges with their creative menus and professionalism," Mrs Duncan said.

The winning team will walk away with the coveted Golden Hat trophy and many competitors could also leave with job offers from the country's leading restaurants.

The competition will take place on July 18 at the ASB Auckland Showgrounds.