ProStart students from programs across the state competed in the 2023 WV Hospitality Cup and ProStart Invitational, a rigorous “Top Chef” style culinary arts competition, held March 7-8 at the Marriott Waterfront Place in Morgantown, West Virginia. Students on teams placing first, second, or third receive scholarships totaling over $400,000, and the first place team earns the opportunity to compete against the very best teams from other states at the National ProStart Invitational to be held in May in Washington, DC.
Using two butane burners and no electricity or running water, the Calhoun-Gilmer Career Center team comprised of only TWO students, Mistaguia Dalrymple from Calhoun County High School and Daisy Snyder from Gilmer County High School prepared a three-course meal consisting of a gazpacho martini appetizer, English-style rare roast beef with squished home fries, a fasces of asparagus, and a traditional Yorkshire pudding topped with a rich pan sauce entrée, and a tart lemon tartlet in a crisp and crumbly short pastry for dessert; all prepared and plated within 60 minutes. During the competition, the team was evaluated on skill, teamwork, safety and sanitation. At the end of their 60-minute time period, the students gave an oral presentation about their menu and presented their meal to a panel of nine industry experts who scored the food on taste, texture, and presentation taking into account difficulty and uniqueness of food. Winners were announced on March 8th, and this team of two high school students excitedly received 2nd place. Later it was revealed that the team missed 1st place by 0.18 of a point!
Congratulations to Daisy, Mistaguia, Chef Instructor Liljon McCormick, and team mentor, Pepper McCormick. The team appreciates the support it has received from the school, community and especially the parents.
