Leicester wins gold at TUCO 2024

Leicester Services Partnership (LSP) Senior Sous Chef, Ashley Podgers, and Sous Chef, Joseph Latham, won gold for the chef’s challenge, competing against other universities. Both were tasked with creating a menu using scallops, guinea fowl and chocolate.

The duo had a day of menu preparation, with two hours then to complete the dish on the following day. Ashley and Joe developed three dishes, wowing the judges and taking first place. Both claimed £500 of TUCO vouchers, to pay towards further courses.

Senior Chef De Partie, Asa Dodd, also took 3rd Place in the plant-based menu challenge, creating a colourful Peruvian taco dish, using smoky lentils and a traditional chilli dressing.

Christopher Lang from the Library Café entered the Barista competition, creating two classic drinks and a signature drink using black cherry, coffee and cream.

Luke Charlton from Freemen’s Kitchen and Bar entered the Mixology competition creating a classic cocktail and a signature cocktail of a peach tea inspired drink, mixing rum, whiskey and tequila, aptly named ‘devenir pêche’ (get peachy).

Both Chris and Luke said that entering the competition was a great learning experience and would encourage anyone to take part. Both respectively also commented on learning great amounts from other competitors on the day, and are already putting plans in place to participate in 2025.