When SKYCITY Auckland hosts this year's Nestle Toque d'Or awards ceremony, it will be familiar territory for three of the company's staff members who have competed in the event in the past.

SKYCITY Auckland Director of Kitchens, Mark Wylie, said not only is he thrilled to be hosting the official awards ceremony but he will also return for a second year as chief judge of the live cook off competition involving the country's top culinary and restaurant service students.

Mark is no stranger to Nestle Toque d'Or having already judged at the event for five years. While completing a Diploma in Professional Cookery at the now Auckland University of Technology he was also chosen to compete in the event.

Two fellow SKYCITY employees from Dine by Peter Gordon - Head Chef Bernard Bernabe and Sous Chef Nancye Pirini - have also competed in the event.

Mark said he, Bernard and Nancye have fond memories of Nestle Toque d'Or and believe it played a key role in establishing their careers.

"We all look back fondly on our experiences at Nestle Toque d'Or. For all three of us it was a daunting event that provided a great learning curve. We all gained a great deal from the experience and are pleased that we were given the opportunity to compete."

As New Zealand's premier student culinary and restaurant service competition Nestle Toque d'Or is an important event in the culinary calendar.

SKYCITY supports Nestle Toque d'Or because it gives young talent the opportunity to stand up, stand out and be exposed to new and exciting opportunities," Mark said.

"The competition is tough and young chefs have to really challenge themselves to make sure they excel on the day. The effort they put in leading up to the event and on the night can be grueling because the standards are so high.

"It's a great competition that benefits not only students but also the hospitality industry as a whole."

Nestle Toque d'Or requires competing teams handpicked from culinary institutes around the country to prepare six covers of a three-course meal within two-and-a-half hours, under the watchful gaze of a panel of industry judges.

The 2009 winning team was Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology.

Sponsors of this year's event include: Nestl Professional, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, vegetables.co.nz, Akaroa Salmon and The House of Knives.