Tara welcomes hospitality win
A rising star in the world of hospitality is set for the trip of a lifetime after taking top prize in an industry competition.
Tara Humphrey, from Auchterarder, has won Front of House at this year’s Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or.
This prestigious hospitality industry competition aims to educate and test college students and apprentices in both practical, service-based and business-focused tasks.
And former Glenalmond College pupil Tara proved she had the recipe for success as she was crowned one of the winners.
The City of Glasgow College HND Hospitality Management student will now be taken to the Worldchefs’ Congress and Expo in Abu Dhabi in June, and spend a gastronomic weekend in Dubai.
Tara ( 19), who is also in the running for UK Young Restaurant Team of the Year, said she is “over the moon”.
“Winning Toque d’Or is massive, and such a great confidence- booster,” she continued.
“It’s been an unbelievable experience and I’ve learned so much from taking part. I now have the finals of the Young Restaurant Team of the Year to look forward to, as well as the trips to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.”
This year, the Toque d’Or competition saw over 400 back of house and front of house workers registered to compete, representing 50 colleges and businesses from across the UK.
The grand finals, with a theme of balanced diets and sustainable futures, consisted of a week of challenges where Tara and the other eight finalists had to demonstrate their talent.
They then had to deliver
a three-course fine dining menu to 50 VIP guests including the Toque d’Or judges.
This final challenge gave competitors the opportunity to put into practice the knowledge and skills they learnt during the week.
Jane Ca r r- Gomm, associate dean for Hospitality and Tourism at City of Glasgow College, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Tara and reflects her skill, professionalism and work ethic.
“Toque d’Or is a high profile competition, respected throughout the industry so Tara should be rightly very proud of this accomplishment.
“Taking part in such competitions create the ideal testing ground for our students, challenging them to perfect their sills and techniques, and providing a valuable high-pressure learning experience.”
It will be a busy time for Tara as the finals of UK Young Restaurant Team of the Year take place on Wednesday, June 29.
The winners, who will be announced at an awards dinner the following day, will enjoy a study trip to Lyon including a visit to Institute Paul Bocuse, the leading hospitality, restaurant and culinary arts management school in France.
“Safe to say I was absolutely not expecting this when I came to City of Glasgow College,” Tara smiled. They have encouraged me to just go for it and I’m so glad I have, as it’s paid off incredibly well.
“I aim to keep working hard, gain some more qualifications to further increase my knowledge in the industry, and hopefully become a manager in a top restaurant. Who knows - I might open my own!”