The search is on to find Cambridge's top chef and waiter

The University of Cambridge Culinary Competition 2009, which this year, celebrates 800 years of excellence in hospitality, is inviting entrants across eight different categories in addition to two front of house classes and a live event. There's also an award - the Stewards' Cup - for the College team that wins most points throughout the competition. Chefs will be required to produce a dish of their choice for a judging session on Thursday 5th November at Cambridge's Guildhall which will be open to the public. On the same day, College front of house staff will demonstrate their table laying & waiting skills and also their ideas for table decorations with the University's 800th Anniversary Theme. The eight food presentation classes are: Canapés, cold starter, hot main course, hot vegetarian main course, under 21's, cold sweet, afternoon tea cakes and petit fours. Awards will also be given for Best in Show and Best Newcomer. Prizes will be presented at an Awards Ceremony held at Magdalene College on 26th November. Kelly Vickers, manager of Conference Cambridge, said: "Dining at a Cambridge College is a unique experience enjoyed by thousands of visitors to the City each year. This annual competition highlights the excellent quality, range and creativity of the food on offer, as well as demonstrating the skills of the front of house staff who have an important role to play in welcoming guests at the venues."