The Wokstar skills competition was founded by the team at Lu Ban Restaurant as they continue their mission to build and showcase Chinese Culinary Arts Skills around the world.
Design for students studying any hospitality qualification at any level and any age, this competition is literally open to everyone.
To compete you must have an interest in Chinese food and a willingness to expand your food knowledge and skills, in return you could win £3000 and join the judging panel in 2023.
The Judging Panel
Mike Mounfield
Competition consultant
Mike is the operation director at Lu Ban Liverpool, he was instrumental in the creation of the Lu Ban restaurant. Mike has over 30 year’s experience in the hospitality and food education.
Using his vast experience of food, education and his own experience as a competition organiser and judge, he has devised the Wokstars contents and rules.
Mike has chosen Mike Jennings as the chair of judges, Mike will be the college judge for the competing colleges and will coordinate the final with the principal judges.
Dave Critchley
Principal judge for the final heat
Dave is the Executive head chef of Lu Ban restaurant, Dave’s career has seen him worked in several venues in the north west, he has always prided himself on building strong kitchen teams and stretching each members ability.
Dave has most recently represented the north west two years running on the Great British menu and is a regular on TV and radio.
As one of the principal judge Dave has the task of making the decision, along with Mike Jenning and xxxxxxx to announce the 2022 Wokstar to a packed Lu Ban and partners in China
Mike Jennings
Chair of Judges
Mike Jennings is an accomplished Michelin trained chef with over 25 culinary years’ experience working within some of the UK’s most notable restaurants. He has worked under some of the Uk’s most decorated chefs from Shaun Rankin to Gary Rhodes OBE.
Mike has a keen eye for detail and has a passion for seasonality and allowing ingredients to showcase on the plate. Mike has done countless demonstrations all over the Uk working with the likes of Sous Vide Tools & The Hotel & Restaurant show at Excel London.
An experienced judge, working on most recently The MYBA Chartered super Yacht cookery competition in Barcelona.
Mike set up The Hospitality Hut consultancy to support the hospitality sector using his years of experience with support on training, development, concept design and improvements to name a few areas he covers.