News

The Craft Guild of Chefs is once again working in association with LACA (Local Authority Caterers Association) on Finishing Touches, LACA’s annual static culinary display salon competition that will take place at its conference at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole from July 11-12.

Now in its fifth year, the competition is aimed at all levels of staff employed in any aspect of local authority catering, capable of producing excellent craft pieces. The Craft Guild has set the criteria for the 10 classes, which provide entrants with the opportunity to showcase their culinary creativity and presentation talent and for these to be judged by senior members of the Craft Guild of Chefs against national standards.

There are four exciting new categories this year: apple pie/tart; cup cakes; filled and/or covered sponge, gateau or cake; and tray bake. These join six existing categories: biscuits; decorated celebration cake; decorated novelty cake; floral sugarcraft display piece; cold canapés and petit fours.

Craft Guild vice president Steve Munkley commented: “LACA has some really talented chefs and this gives them an opportunity to shine in their own environment. It will also give them the confidence to compete against other sectors of the industry in the future.

“The standard of exhibit at Finishing Touches 2011 exceeded that of 2010, with an amazing amount of effort put into every category. We are so looking forward to awarding even more in 2012 with the new categories.”

The criteria can be viewed online at http://www.laca.co.uk/events/finishing-touches. The closing date for entries is Friday, May 25. For further information visit www.craftguildofchefs.org or www.laca.co.uk