Havant & South Downs College Students Wins District Heat of Rotary Chef Competition

A Catering student from Havant & South Downs College has cooked her way into the district finals of the Rotary Young Chef of the Year competition.

HSDC hosted the district round on 19 January, where nine local competitors took part – including students from Hayling College and Bay House School in Gosport.

The young chefs had to produce a three-course menu for two people, costing no more than £20. The competition was judged by Andy Makenzie from Exclusive Hotels, Andy Jones from the Tri services at Worthy Down and Andy Jessup also from Worthy Down.

HSDC’s own Izabella Darmanin won the round, closely followed by Joshua Marsh from Hayling College.

Paul Mansfield, Chef Mentor to Izabella, said:

“I am so proud of Izzy for producing such high-quality dishes on the day. Izzy will be going to Lainston House to work with the head chef and elevate the dishes ready for the next round. It is such a good opportunity for Izzy.”

Both Izabella and Joshua will be competing in the district finals on 9 March at HSDC’s Restaurant. Izabella will be up against nineteen other young chefs from all over the south of England, including the Channel Islands.