Havant & South Downs College students wins district final of Rotary Young Chef competition

A Catering student from Havant & South Downs College has won the district final of the Rotary Young Chef competition.

Izabella Darmanin, who had previously won the district heat of the competition, cooked a three-course meal on 9 March alongside 11 other budding chefs from across the South of England, including the Channel Islands.

Hosted at Havant & South Downs College’s Restaurant, the competitors had to create their three courses with the ingredients costing no more than £20. Izabella, who studies the Level 1 Craft Catering at HSDC, produced a mackerel pate with pickled cucumbers, pan fried loin of cod with a beurre blanc sauce and a white chocolate and passion fruit cheesecake to finish.

Izabella was crowned victorious and was presented a prize by the Mayor of Havant. The three judges from Lysees Hotel in Fareham, The Slipper Club in Emsworth and Harvest Fine Foods said: “Izzy’s food was creative and stood out from all other competitors.”

Paul Mansfield, who mentors Izabella, said: “It’s always a pleasure working with the Rotary Club and mentoring young students who someday could become brilliant chefs working in high class restaurants or hotels.”

Izabella will now compete in the Semifinals at Exeter College on 30 March.