The Taste Imperial Team have won 5 awards at this year's TUCO competition, in a fierce battle of almost 100 competitors.
TUCO - The University Caterers Organisation - holds annual competitions, giving individual team-members a chance to flex their culinary skills and represent their institution head-to-head against universities from around the UK.
With categories ranging from cocktails and food to on-the-spot cooking challenges, it's a great opportunity for universities - as well as individual chefs and mixologists - to show off the innovation that flourishes in our very own kitchens.
This year, our very own Kitti Szabados took home the Silver Trophy in the Barista Skills challenge, as well as winning the coveted Best Speciality Drink award for 'Miss Homemade', her apricot and walnut coffee, inspired by a traditional cake from her native Hungary. Keep your eyes peeled for the delicious special on our Summer Term coffee menus.
Eastside Bar's resident mixologist Bianca Ilona-Ciobanu secured the Bronze Trophy in the Mixology Challenge, alongside a further win for Best Signature Cocktail. Her delicious lavender and citrus invention wowed the judges with its presentation and taste.
The final win for Imperial came from chef Newton Dias in the Best Burger Challenge. His creation was a tandoori chicken thigh burger, with homemade marinade, spiced potato cake, kachumber salad and a herby tamarind sauce, featuring our very own Taste Imperial logo stamped on the bun. The delicious burger took home the Silver Trophy, and you'll be able to find out why soon enough, with a version of 'The Newton Burger' making its way onto the brand new Eastside menu.
