Congratulations to Tina, Stefan and Paul - worthy winners at the 
Annual Awards of Excellence

Hello friends

It is the time of year when the Academy of Culinary Arts holds the finals of its Annual Awards of Excellence. These Awards recognise and reward the talents and ambition of young Chefs, Pastry Chefs and Waiters between the ages of 20-26.

We are truly delighted and proud that this year Tina Diefenbach has achieved the Award for Excellence in Service and Paul Dickinson and Stefan Howells have both achieved the Award for Excellence in Pastry. Tina, Paul and Stefan attended the finals held at Le Gavroche on 2 April, and will go on to the Awards dinner at the Savoy Hotel in July.

One of the judges commented on Tina’s performance:

"I am delighted to say Tina was exceptional, in every respect of service. As such, it was a pleasure to offer only positive commentary and Tina did indeed achieve her well-deserved ‘Annual Award of Excellence’ as a result. Tina was certainly an excellent example of the fine service offered at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons"

What a wonderful compliment for Tina. We are all aware of how important good service is, and how it can make the difference between a good experience and an exceptional one.

Paul and Stefan both took part in the Pastry Challenge, when they had five hours to produce an Easter themed centrepiece and petits fours including moulded chocolates, financiers and fruit tartlets

Over the years, we have been proud to see many of our team gain honours in the Annual Awards of Excellence – last year Christine Peace and Richard Phillips  from the Pastry team, and Jean-Marie Messaoud from service all gained awards, with Richard going on to win the overall Pastry award.

My warmest congratulations to all three of our young finalists, and my thanks to everyone at Le Manoir who works so hard to ensure that we give our best to create a wonderful experience for our guests.

Best to you all

RB

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