CHEFS at RAF Benson have scooped nine medals for the quality of their cooking.
They won three gold medals, two silver and four bronze at the combined services culinary challenge held in Esher.
Eight chefs and two stewards from the camp were part of the national RAF team which won gold in the inter-services senior chef of the year award and the novice pasta dish award as well as winning best kitchen in show.
The team later added two silver and four bronze best in class awards to their haul.
The event was attended by the Countess of Wessex who chatted to some of the servicemen.
The competition, now in its eighth year, provides military and civilian chefs and stewards a chance to demonstrate their culinary skills honed while working for the military at home and abroad. Competitors prepared meals in field kitchens under canvas with equipment that mirrored the environments they are required to work in while away on operations.
Martin Blunos, who has two Michelin stars, was among judges.
He said: “I look for the basics, such as hygiene and the way people work, as this reflects what they produce.
“I get so much from this whole experience — you pick up some great ideas, even from the juniors. You never stop learning in this business and when you think you know it all you may as well pack up and retire. ”
An RAF Benson spokesman said: “The whole team gained just reward for the tireless effort shown by the catering staff throughout the year, serving both military and civilian staff stationed at RAF Benson and on operations in Iraq.”
Published on 24 November 2008
|
