Posted: 09/05/13
Graduation will be a fine affair for chefs
The first of this year’s chef graduation evenings at West Nottinghamshire College is set to be a ‘refined’ affair.
Students Stacey Thorpe and Kelly-Marie Holehouse, both 19, will graduate from their Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Kitchen and Larder studies on Friday 17 May by serving up six-courses of elegant fayre to guests including family, friends and customers.
It will be the first graduation meal to be held in the college’s new fine-dining restaurant, Refined, at its Derby Road campus.
Their menu includes a starter of confit duck leg with bok choi and main courses of fillet of beef and pan-fried trout.
The chefs, who have become the best of friends while studying the diploma, will be offering a ‘pre-dessert’ of elderflower and lime granita, with dark chocolate and raspberry tart or lemon meringue available for the main dessert.
Stacey, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, currently works as a chef at the Derbyshire Hotel in South Normanton and cites Raymond Blanc as one of her cookery inspirations. She is keen to gain as much catering experience as possible and has ambitions to work overseas.
Kelly-Marie, who lives in Mansfield, works as a chef at the town’s Redgate Inn, on Westfield Lane.
She said: “We’ve both had such a great time during our three years at college and have learnt so much.
“Our tutor has given us so much encouragement, which has boosted our confidence and cookery skills, and we’re really looking forward to showcasing our food in the new restaurant.”
