Nicolet Technical College students excelled at the 2004 College Student Culinary Arts Competition held March 10 in Milwaukee. Jane Brill, Karen Fish and Katie Welbes each earned a bronze medal.

Using a challenging dual entrée of catfish and duck, students designed and presented beautifully plated meals that were judged by experienced chefs from around Wisconsin. The plated food was glazed in aspic, a jelly-like preservative. Plates were judged on appearance, presentation and creativity, not taste. Judges used a 100-point scale to evaluate each plate and awarded gold, silver and bronze medals to the top-ranking entries.

“The level of professionalism these students display is very impressive,” said Susan Quam, head of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation. “They are the future stars of our industry.”

Over 70 students from eight Wisconsin technical colleges participated in the event. Overall, the judges awarded 31 bronze medals, 37 silver medals and only five gold medals. First, second and third place finishers also received cash prizes.

This year's College Student Culinary Arts Competition was sponsored by U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish and Maple Leaf Farms.

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