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Top chefs help college students cook up a grand banquet

Ninety guests dined on a menu prepared by five of the nation's top chefs at a charity banquet held at South Downs College last month.

Following a champagne and canapé reception, guests were served a six course menu produced by a team of South Downs College students under the direction of John Campbell (canapés and main course), Marcus Wareing (fish course), Phillip Howard (starter), Angela Hartnett (pasta) and Heston Blumenthal (sweet and petit fours).

The event raised around £20,000 for the Ark Foundation, a service set up by the charity Hospitality Action to educate the hospitality industry about the issues associated with alcohol and drug misuse.

City & Guilds director-general Chris Jones attended the event and said: "Tonight was an unforgettable and totally awe-inspiring event, not only because we enjoyed a phenomenal meal prepared by five of the world's best chefs - which I don't think will ever be repeated in my lifetime - but because of the extraordinarily high standards of the South Downs culinary and service students who worked seamlessly alongside the likes of Blumenthal and Wareing.

"The standard of their work, and their professionalism, could provide a benchmark for the entire industry and City & Guilds is proud that our qualifications will have played a part in their future success. What makes this event even more valuable is the amount of money raised tonight for the Ark Foundation, which has looked after the well-being of the catering industry for nearly 170 years."

Gerry Shurman, head of catering hospitality and travel at South Downs College said: "The sheer excitement of the students in working with their gastronomic heroes was compounded by the professional yet friendly and encouraging attitude they received."

After the event, the celebrity chefs presented each student with a signed souvenir cover plate inscribed with the evening's menu.

Heston Blumenthal commented: "A lot of people ask me about the innovation, creation and activity associated with this level of cookery. It is all very well to do the crazy magic but you can't do it without a solid foundation. This is exactly what they are getting. They are really and truly energised and it is an uplifting experience."

A cheque for £15,250 was presented to Penny Moore, chief executive for Hospitality Action, while another £4000 had already been collected for the charity dinner donations. Penny accepted the cheque on behalf of the Ark Foundation and complimented all those who participated in the event. In his address Peter Kay, co-founder of the Ark Foundation, commented on the superb facilities at South Downs as well as the outstanding staff and students.

External links

Hospitality Action

South Downs College

City & Guilds

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