Hobart College Newsletter 3 2012 - Tasmanian Academy

Hospitality Students help out at Gala Dinner – Wrest Point
The Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) Black Box Culinary challenge final was held in Tasmania on May 23. This is
one of the most respected culinary competitions in the world and started 16 years ago, well before the likes of Master
Chef and My Kitchen Rules were even thought of.
The event saw 14 teams from some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens take part in a pressure test cook off. For
the first time, teams from a number of developing countries, such as Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar competed.
Twenty four hours before the dinner took place, teams were given a secret black box of mystery ingredients and they
had one hour to devise a four course menu, which was then prepared and presented the next day at a gala dinner
held at Wrest Point. First place went to Thailand, with Australia’s entry from the Henry Jones Art Hotel coming third.
Seven Hobart College VET Hospitality students were invited to join a team of Drysdale and Wrest Point Staff to
help set up and serve guests. Our students spent the first few hours arranging elaborate, country specific table
centrepieces and setting the tables. Each country was assigned two tables and Drysdale students had worked with
the chefs to design the table decorations.
The hospitality students were then given instructions on how to present and serve the food. This real life experience
was a ‘once in a life time’ opportunity as the students became part of an action-packed and exciting competition.
“I loved how formal the whole night was. The atmosphere was amazing.” Nadine Nichols.
“I was able to talk to a number of the chefs, in particular the young Australian chef. The food was very innovative and
I enjoyed seeing the differences between the dishes prepared by all the different countries.” Bryce Way
“The detail in presenting the food was amazing.” Emma Monks
Students who were involved - Pictured below L to R
Emma Monks, Bryce Way, Megan Lowe, Nadine Nichols, Emma Warn, Oliver Carter and Callum Dupree.
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