Two exceptionally skilled secondary school students impressed industry professionals with their outstanding culinary skills at a recent HSDC competition.
Local students Alfie and Beau went head-to-head at HSDC’s Rising Stars, Young Chef Competition, held at HSDC South Downs, which was supported by Exclusive Hotels.
Both individuals were selected from several entrants and were given the unique opportunity to prepare a number of delicious dishes in order to impress the judging panel.
Student Beau prepared a mouth-watering menu consisting of a baked fillet of Grey Mullet, fondant potato and dill butter sauce whilst student Alfie prepared crispy cod tacos with pineapple, coriander and sour cream, which looked incredible.
Andy McKenzie from Exclusive Hotels said:
“It was so great to see two very passionate individuals so very keen on cooking great food.
From the moment they got underway, you could see that they both had a clear plan of how they were going to execute their dishes to the best of their ability.
They both wanted to win this competition. But above all, they wanted to cook great food for the judges.”
Andy added:
“The skills on display were from filleting whole fish, making fresh tacos from scratch, butter sauce, pineapple salsa, flavoured oils & dressings and so much more in just one hour.
The cooking was very impressive and the excellent finished dishes I can testify were both very tasty. They both have the makings of future award-winning chefs.”
Both budding chefs wowed the judges, with Alfie scooping first place, winning an afternoon tea for four at Lainston House, Exclusive Hotel, Winchester.
Runner-up Beau didn’t leave empty-handed and was awarded an evening meal for four at HSDC’s on-site restaurant, 74 South.
Iain Baillie, Professional Cookery Level 3 Diploma Course Manager added:
“This was a wonderful opportunity for these year 10 students to showcase their skills in one of HSDC’s professional kitchens by producing two portions of a main course in just an hour.
The pupils certainly didn’t disappoint, with the first place and runner-up cooking two fish dishes to a very high standard.”
Both students were awarded with a goodie bag from the hotel that included their own HSDC apron with their names embroidered, a large hard-back cookery book and a full set of stainless-steel cooking utensils.
A huge well done to all involved, including students Beau and Alfie.
For more on our Hospitality and Catering courses at HSDC, click here.