A catering student’s culinary talents impressed judges as she took first place in a cooking competition, beating six others to advance to the next round.
Alana Hobbs, who is studying the Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery at HSDC South Downs, won the first round of the Rotary Young Chef Competition hosted by Park Community School.
Alana was mentored by Chef Lecturer Paul Mansfield and designed a two-course menu which she had to produce during the event. 
Contestants are challenged to prepare and present a healthy menu within a pre-set budget and time limit, which is judged by an expert panel.
The dishes created by Alana were roasted cod loin with homemade warm tartare sauce followed by chocolate orange and Grand Marnier mousse, both of which impressed the judges.
After winning the first round, Alana now progresses to the next stage where she will compete against eight budding young chefs later this month.
Alana, who won a Kenwood food processor, is excited for the next round hosted at our South Downs Campus. She said:
“It was a pleasure to work with some quality chefs and I was proud of my achievement, especially winning this round of Young Chef. I’m really looking forward to the next round.”
Paul Mansfield, Catering Lecturer, added:
“The quality of the food produced by the candidates gets better each year. It was good to see all the practice paid off. Look out final, here we come!”
Visit our Hospitality & Catering page to find out more about the courses we offer at HSDC.