Student Chefs Win Atlantic Cup Challenge
Students at City of Glasgow College have taken the title at the Atlantic Cup Challenge for the second year running. The final took place against Anne Arundel Community College on Wednesday 12th of July in Maryland, USA. Following a hectic few hours in the kitchen, the students were finally able to cool down before being announced the overall winners.
To begin with, the students were presented with a mystery basket of ingredients. They then had to plan, prepare and present three meals. The basket contained blueberries, rhubarb, baby spinach, quinoa, chanterelle mushrooms, tomatoes, corn, duck and soft shell crabs. To begin with, the two teams had thirty minutes to plan their meals. They then had two and a half hours to then prepare their three meals. Finally, the plating took place and the judging commenced.
The students will be returning home to the city of Glasgow with as much pride as newly gained experience and skills. Susan Notter, member of the judging panel, pastry chef and part of the USA Culinary Olympic Team congratulated both sides on their efforts during the competition. She added: “Every time you do something like this, it only teaches you to be better”.
The Scottish students showed their enthusiasm and excitement towards the opportunity from start to finish. Willie McCurrach the curriculum head for food at City of Glasgow College said, “It’s an opportunity for them the experience real America”. The students were able to gain new several valuable skills whilst there. For example, they learned how to clean and prepare the soft shell crabs used in Wednesday’s competition. Soft shell crabs are a true staple ingredient for this time of year in Maryland. The students also learned first-hand the importance of working well under pressure, and also within a team.
Senior Chef Lecturer and BBC Masterchef winner Gary Maclean guided the team through the victory. He said: “For us, it’s definitely a cultural exchange as much as a competition.” The competition also highlighted the bond and partnership between the two schools. Anne Arundel Community College President Dawn Lindsay said the school hopes to expand that partnership in the future.