The NECTA (North East Culinary Trade Association) Annual Competition, which is designed to showcase the best chefs and culinary students in the region, took place recently at the Gosforth Park Racecourse, Newcastle.

JR Holland Food Services sponsored the two-day event now entering its fourth year, in a bid to showcase the north east’s talent and produce.

Day one saw the 30th Annual Inter-College Catering Competition in which future chefs from colleges all across the north east will compete on an individual and team basis across 11 categories.

JR Holland Food Services sponsored the ‘Knife Skills and Drill’ individual category, one of the most necessary yet difficult skills to master. Competitors will be asked to prepare four cuts on selected root vegetables, locally sourced and supplied by the company.

Douglas Jordan, chairman of judges, at NECTA said: “When it comes to top class food, the north east can give London a run for its money any day. This competition highlights what the region has to offer when it comes to talent and ability and the quality and calibre of entrants we have this year is outstanding.

“As a supplier that prides itself on locally sourced produce, JR Holland is an ideal sponsor for the competition, where it is imperative that our chefs are working with the finest quality ingredients. This is all about celebrating what our region has to offer, when it comes to talent and produce.”

Day two of the competition focused on the ‘North East Chef of the Year’, one of the countries toughest cooking competitions. Selected finalists were given a box of mystery ingredients, several of which must be used, and have two-and-half hours to prepare, cook and serve a three-course meal for four covers in front of a live audience.

JR Holland Food Services provided local seasonal produce for day two of the competition, previous winners of which include David Kennedy of Black Door fame and Cafe 21’s Parichat Somsri-Kirby.

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