The Culinary Competition at the 2025 Virginia ProStart Invitational saw Isle of Wight County Schools Team II rise above 12 other high school teams from around the state.
HARRISONBURG – On February 28, over 100 high school students descended on Harrisonburg, Virginia to compete in the 2025 Virginia ProStart Invitational (VPSI). The culinary competition saw 13 teams take the stage at Hotel Madison, the most we've ever seen at VPSI. Congratulations to all of the students for their hard work and dedication to their culinary craft, and an extra shout out to our top three finishing teams:
THIRD PLACE: ARLINGTON CAREER CENTER
Team Roster: Corinne Breyault (C), Danny Ventura, Justin Brahame, Paula Lopez-Landeo, Lyle Schwartrz
Instructor: Rene Randolf
Seared Scallops ($24)
Pan seared scallops served with bacon based on a bed of spinach.
Lamb Chops with Mint Chimichurri ($45)
Grilled lamp chop with mint chimichurri & veloute sauce. Served with cheesy mashed potatoes and sautéed mixed vegetables.
Lime & Pistachio Crepe Cake ($14)
Mini crepe cake layered with lime curd & pistachio mascarpone cream and served with strawberries & chocolate ganache.
SECOND PLACE: NORTHERN NECK TECHNICAL CENTER
Team Roster: Joanna Alvarez (C), La'Tori Lanier, Jennifer Lopez-Ramos, Jesus Ramirez-Santana, Keagan Swindells
Instructor: Gary Whitecotton
Gulf Shrimp ($17)
Poached in seasoned broth, quick pickled with toasted fennel, black & yellow mustard seeds, bay leaves, zest and juice of Meyer lemon, garlic, white wine vinegar and olive oil. Crispy fried green tomato. Seared Eggplant. Julienne bell pepper, fennel, cucumber, snap pea slaw.Â
Crispy Skin Red Drum ($30)
Local red drum. Blistered corn, medium diced Edwards country ham, brunoise shallots. Yukon gold potato puree, blue crab. Truffle oil drizzle. Garlic sauteed spinach. Meyer lemon gastrique.Â
Banana Foster Hand Pies ($14)
Banana Foster filling, wrapped around flakey fried pastry. Cara Cara Orange Vanilla cream sauce. Raspberry reduction sauce.
FIRST PLACE: ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY SCHOOLS TEAM II
Team Roster: Aidan Kerr (C), Alexandria Washburn, Christina Kea-Towns, Charlene Sanderson, Julia Leete
Instructor: Scott Horne
Chicken Noodle Soup ($13)
Fresh pasta, carrots, celery, onions, roasted chicen, chicken broth, and fresh herbs.
Sliced Filet Mignon ($55)
Served over pan roasted potatoes, lemon asparagus, and finished with chimichurri.Â
Chocolate Brownie ($16)
Layered with rich, chocolate mousse. Finished with shaved chocolate and brownie crumb.Â
