Fleming College

Fleming College Culinary Management student Amanda Moss cooked up a fifth place finish at the Skills Canada Competition in Halifax, held May 21 to 26.To place in the top five in the country is an amazing feat. Chef/Professor Steve Benns, Amanda’s advisor from Fleming College, commented that: "Amanda worked extremely hard to prepare herself for this competition, all while balancing a part time job, school, and family life." "She was the most professional student in the competition." He added that, "this experience will definitely help Amanda prepare for her bright future in the culinary industry."Each year Skills Canada-Ontario coordinates the Ontario Technological Skills Competition. The competition was held at RIM Park and Manulife Financial Sportsplex in Waterloo, Ontario from May 1 to 3, 2006.  It was a three-day event in which students from across the province have the opportunity to showcase their talents and test themselves against industry standards. The purpose of the contest is to evaluate each contestant’s preparation for employment in the food service industry and to recognize outstanding students for excellence and professionalism in culinary arts.Amanda, a fourth-semester Culinary Management student, competed in the Culinary Arts Postsecondary competition. She had to prepare a platter presentation for four people of a salmon entrée and a dessert. The contest was judged by leading industry chefs and they based their final marks on safety and sanitation, limiting waste, using proper preparation techniques, professional use of tools, appetizing and modern presentation, balanced taste and seasonings, following the set items on the menu, and a five minute interview.Amanda achieved gold medal status over 15 other competitors from across Ontario and qualified to represent Ontario in the Skills Canada competition. Amanda competed against 11 other provinces in the two-day competition, garnering her fifth place finish.