MONDAY 24 JANUARY 2011 • LA COUPE DU MONDE DE LA PATISSERIE 2011
Benoit Blin and the UK Pastry Team head to the
Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie 2011
Hello friends
The Coupe du Monde de La Pâtisserie 2011 is the most testing and challenging competition where 19 teams among the best in the world will meet. This year the team representing the UK was led by Benoit Blin.
Benoit Blin has worked for me as Chef Patissier MCA for over 17 years. He is one of the most skilled patissiers in Great Britain and now he is the President of the UK Pastry Team, leading them as they go to Lyon and compete for La Coupe du Monde.
Benoit has had only three months to prepare and motivate his team and has been working extremely hard to promote the UK and its culinary culture. In France, patisserie is an art form and many of the greatest craftsmen come from France. Actually, in this world cup France is not represented as they won this last year year. The UK team have to demonstrate their skill and quality craftsmen ship at the highest level against the world’s best. In the last ten years the UK has only been represented twice - in 2002 and 2003.
So much needs to be done in order to support and encourage this craft and develop young people to attract them to this wonderful profession.
We need to protect a skill that is threatened by standardisation as many desserts are now ready-made and part frozen produce that are being bought in many kitchens across the country.
Talking about the event, Benoit says “We will be competing against 19 countries in the 2011 Pastry World Cup in Lyon; it is a huge and exciting opportunity for the UK Hospitality industry to demonstrate that the skill level and potential that this country has to offer.
Since 1989 the UK has been only represented twice, in 2001 and 2003. Benoit hopes that through their effort, they will inspire many young chefs in the country.
I then asked a telling question of Benoit: what are your chances? Silence...He said RB, if the team manage to be among the 10 best in the world, that will be a success in itself and I will be proud of them.
About the British Team:
Président: Benoit Blin MCA, Executive Chef Patissier, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons
Javier Mercado (Pastry Lecturer, Westminster College)
Chris Loder (Pastry Lecturer, Westminster College)
Johannes Bonin (Pastry Chef, The Connaught Hotel)
Promotion Manager: Richard Victoria (Sales Director, Ritter Courivaud)
Let's not forget:
“The difference between a good meal and a great meal is often made by the dessert – we should never forget that!” Gilles Pudlowski
Keep up to date:
Pastry Team UK - page on Facebook
Pastry Team UK - Follow on Twitter
Best
RB
PS Please tell me what you think of my blogs and my website: I want to hear from you!
Follow Raymond Blanc on Twitter
Contact Raymond via the Contact page of the website
Read RB's Le Blog for the catering profession on the Caterer website, by clicking here