There are only days left until the Grand Finals of Nestlé Professional’s prestigious Toque d’Or competition. Award-winning chef and judge Tommy Banks has offered last-minute advice to the 12 aspiring chefs and restaurateurs competing for the top prize.
As the finalists prepare to face off, Tommy shares his top five tips to help them thrive under pressure and make the most of the transformative week-long experience:
1. Stay organized and focused: “First of all, it’s about keeping your composure. Nothing helps more than being organized and focused on the job at hand. Remember to follow your usual methods and stay disciplined, while always taking a moment to think about your approach. This investment of yours will bear fruit in your work.”
2. Enjoy the experience: “Toque d’Or opens the doors to exceptional experiences and expert mentorship. Whether you win or not, there will be so many lessons that will help you come out of this experience stronger. And you get so much experience I can promise, so it’s a ‘win-win’ situation.”
3. Show your passion and determination: “That’s what sets you apart. And in our dynamic industry, good work ethic and a positive attitude really matter a lot. But never forget to be your true authentic self – your personality is what makes you unique and what sets great chefs and restaurateurs apart from others.”
4. Take advantage of networking opportunities: “Although you may have to step outside your comfort zone, the competition offers fantastic opportunities to meet new people. This is a rare opportunity, so take advantage of it by networking with other contestants and judges. You never know, these connections could become invaluable as you advance in your career.”
5. Enjoy and take care of yourself: “Most importantly, enjoy yourself. Although finals week will be nerve-wracking, especially the Fine Dining Challenge, the experience of doing a good job and putting a smile on people’s faces will make you feel great. It is unique in hospitality – so don’t forget it and be present in those moments. It’s also just as much about self-care. So prepare as much as you can to ease your nerves and make sure you get enough rest and sleep between challenges. It can do wonders for performance!”
The finale includes a series of action-packed challenges built around the competition’s overall theme of sustainable development. They cover, among other things, locally produced products, innovative agriculture and the important role of hospitality in supporting communities. Contestants get the chance to hone their skills while exploring the latest culinary trends and learning about farm-to-table dining.
With Tommy on the judging panel for finals week, the winner is 2023 Golden Service Scholarship winner and footman of The Royal Household, Jupiter Humphrey-Bishop. The finals will also consist of judges from Nestlé Professional and former Toque d’Or contestants – both finalists and winners – and will provide a platform for them to further their knowledge and impart their advice to this year’s contestants.