Posted: Wednesday 8 September 2010

Kilmarnock College Hospitality Students Prepare VIP Dinner for Scottish Cabinet Ministers

The Principal of Kilmarnock College, Heather Dunk, was delighted to host a special VIP meal for Scottish cabinet ministers on Monday evening.

The meal was created by the College's hospitality students who were privileged to prepare and serve a three course private cabinet dinner in The Gallery Restaurant at Kilmarnock College, attended by six cabinet members including the First Minister for Scotland, Alex Salmond.

The Scottish-themed meal was carefully prepared with the finest locally-sourced ingredients and offered the guests a choice of either courgette and Dunlop goat's cheese and basil soup or Campbeltown traditional smoked salmon with mini caper berries and homemade rye bread for starter.

The mouth-watering main course proved a difficult decision between Ayrshire pork loin chops accompanied by savoy cabbage with bacon, or broccoli, caramelised red onion and Dunsyre blue quiche served with a pickled walnut salad. Minted seasonal potatoes were offered with both main courses.

The cabinet was served a fine dessert of Scottish berries with Arran ice cream and sultana, lavender shortbread. Tea, coffee and good old Scottish tablet was served to finish.

Heather Dunk, Principal for Kilmarnock College, said proudly: "It's not often that we have the Scottish cabinet to dinner at Kilmarnock College, so it was a real honour for us to host this special VIP dinner on Monday evening. The students and staff put a lot of time and effort into preparing for this dinner and rose to the challenge with great enthusiasm. Despite the pressure of cooking for such distinguished guests, the students took it all in their stride and produced an exceptional meal."

First Minister Alex Salmond said: "The wonderful dinner prepared by the students of Kilmarnock College was the perfect showcase for traditional Scottish produce. Their superb culinary skills were evident throughout and a credit to the College."

The students involved in last night's meal are currently studying an SVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery course at Kilmarnock College. The course is aimed at those who wish to pursue a career in hospitality and become Commis Chefs. It offers training in food preparation and cooking, food safety, effective team work, and a safe and secure working environment.

For further information on courses available at Kilmarnock College please call 01563 523501 or visit www.kilmarnock.ac.uk.

-Ends-

Photo caption
Kilmarnock College students and staff were (from left to right); James McLeary, Adele McLeary, Lecturer Peter Bacchetti, Michael Jameson, Senior Lecturer Steve Elby, Janet Farrow, Alan Howarth, Carol Carruthers, Taylor Cree.

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