False Bay TVET College hospitality student Chanda du Plooy won the coveted title of Ultimate Lancewood Pastry chef in the annual Young Stars Showcook Initiative Competition 2022.
The announcement was made at an awards dinner held at the Mount Nelson Hotel on Wednesday 15 June.
False Bay College principal Karin Hendricks said it was a good opportunity for Du Plooy to pursue her career.
“We need to support our students in their exposure to competitions at a local, national and international level. This is a great opportunity for Chanda to pursue her career and to use this win as a platform to advance her career in the hospitality sector.”
The Young Star Showcook Initiative and competition has been hosted annually for the past 14 years, but it was the first time the college participated.
In preparation for the contest, participating students received an assortment of training opportunities from sponsors in each competition category.
Du Plooy’s pistachio and almond chocolate cake with dessert-pastry was the winning pastry.
“Going into the competition, I felt the other competitors had an advantage, and I really underestimated myself,” she said.
“This was the first time the college entered and it was my first competition. After the first round of positive feedback from the judges, I realised I should have more confidence in my talent and the skills I had learnt at the college. I also received excellent practical training support from Ms Susan Gelant at the college.”
Du Plooy competed against participants from Capsicum Culinary School, the International Hotel School, Cape Town Hotel School and four other specialised hospitality service institutions.
Her winnings include a three-month internship at the Chateau De La Cruezette in France.
In addition, she was the recipient of a mixer and an assortment of baking utensils and accessories.
Du Plooy, who lives in Strandfontein, is busy completing her N6 in hospitality management at the Muizenberg campus.
She plans to travel to France for her internship in July next year once she graduates from college.
The 22-year-old said baking always makes her feel at peace.
“Baking gives me relief and peace, even though the industry is probably the opposite because it’s such a rush, but I feel at home when I’m in the kitchen.
“My cooking journey started at home when my mom would teach me how to cook and bake from a young age.
“At high school one of my subjects was hospitality, and this then enhanced my interest and led to it becoming my passion.”
She added her favourite item to bake is a good and simple chocolate cake.
“I like to keep things simple with a good chocolate cake. So many different flavours can be paired with chocolate cake and I definitely love experimenting with all kinds of ingredients I can add to enhance the chocolatey flavour.”
The young chef said she was humbled to win the prize.
“I was really surprised but so proud of myself. I’m ecstatic that I won and so humbled by the opportunity I received to participate. This will forever be a great memory and the start of the best career journey.”
