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Young chef takes top spot

January 23, 2018

young chef competition winner

A budding Havant & South Downs College chef has secured the top spot in the next stage of the Rotary Young Chef of the Year competition.

Students, teachers and Rotarians gathered on 20 January at HSDC for the second stage of the competition, where six students between the ages of 13 and 16 took part, including HSDC’s James Cardy.

The competitors cooked for two hours, producing a healthy meal for two adults consisting of starter, main and dessert courses for a total cost of £15.

The judges then sampled the meals to decide who had made the cut. The judges included Oliver Clift from Emsworth Sailing Club, Tim Brookes from Brookfield Hotel and Simon Martin from Antonio’s Restaurant in Fareham.

The judges complimented the students on the quality, individuality and presentation of their meals and also the professionalism with which they undertook the cooking challenge. James Cardy stole the top spot, closely followed by Izabella Darmanin from Park Community School, both of whom will qualify for the Third District Round of the competition.

Paul Mansfield said: “James had a few slip ups on the day of the competition – it is a lot of pressure for someone so young – but by the time we get to the next round he’ll be perfect.”

Prizes and certificates were presented to all the students by Havant Rotary Club President Jenny Edgell and Gosport Rotary Club President Ray Drake.

James and Izabella will cook again on 3rd March at Havant & South Downs College.