ERFURT, Germany — Niagara College’s Junior Culinary Team Canada is proving its mettle, earning a gold medal in its first of two competitions at the Culinary Olympics.
The team competed in the Edible Buffet competition — its first event at the IKA/Culinary Olympics in Erfurt, Germany — on Oct. 22. During the rigorous five-hour marathon, teams must prepare a buffet consisting of finger food and terrines that are presented on a platter and two action stations — one for a main course and one for dessert. The Junior Culinary team was judged on factors including cleanliness, demeanour and efficiency, in addition to the taste of the food they prepared.
“This is a great accomplishment and a testament to the hard work they have put in over the years,” says Craig Youdale, team manager and dean of the Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute. “Our college should be super excited about the accomplishment and it was special to see the Niagara College [team] take on a global challenge and come out shining like gold.”
“This could not be possible without the hard work, dedication and passion put in by each team member,” adds team captain Ben Lillico. “We are excited because we now go into our program on a high note.”
Junior Culinary Team Canada competes in the in their second competition — a hot, three-course luncheon competition for 60 people — today and will receive its final score and overall ranking at the IKA/Culinary Olympics closing ceremony on Oct. 26.
