New Hampshire ProStart State Invitational 2020 Recap
On Tuesday, March 10, 2020, seven culinary teams and two management teams competed at the New Hampshire ProStart State Invitational. Hosted by the Holiday Inn Concord Downtown, teams were represented from Manchester School of Technology, Milford High School & Applied Technology Center, Mount Washington Valley Career & Technical Center (culinary and management), Pinkerton Academy (culinary and management), Portsmouth High School, Richard W. Creteau Technology Center, and White Mountains Regional High School.
Culinary
1st- Mount Washington Valley Career & Technical Center (MWVCTC)
2nd- Pinkerton Academy
3rd- White Mountains Regional High School
Kaylee, Jaime, Riley, Tristan and Sierra from MWVCTC created a menu featuring an appetizer of crispy calamari and lemon served with harissa aioli and chermoula oil; an entrée of Moroccan rubbed rack of lamb with pomegranate reduction, lemon-cilantro vinaigrette tossed with rainbow fingerlings, and sautéed vegetable hash; and a dessert of vanilla bean panna cotta served with grapefruit and brown sugar caramel and topped with spiced pistachios. They executed this high level menu in 60 minutes using only two butane burners, no running water, and no electricity. We are very fortunate to have executive level and ACF certified chefs. All of which said the caliber of the menus and the execution by our ProStart students was outstanding.
Management
1st- Pinkerton Academy
2nd- Mount Washington Valley Career & Technical Center
John, Lily, Angelina, and Matthew from Pinkerton Academy designed Wild Bamboo an Asian restaurant devoted to the environment and sustainability. Their menu featured a dumpling soup, bibimap (a Korean rice dish topped with beef sautéed vegetables and a fried egg), duck (statler duck breast seared with the skin on, paired with bamboo rice and a tat soi-mushroom sauce, beef (sliced flank steak sautéed with onions, served with a side of fresh vegetable), and a steam cake. The judges were highly impressed by their QR coupon code and the website they designed from scratch. We are blessed to have judges from all facets of the industry and many of them were ready to hire our very talented students on the spot based on their ideas, creativity, and presentation skills.
Competing students will receive a variety of scholarships from Great Bay Community College, Lakes Region Community College, NHTI, and White Mountains Community College as well Johnson & Wales University and the Culinary Institute of America.
Our first place winners are invited to compete at the National ProStart Invitational in Washington D.C. in May. At the time of this post, this event is moving forward as planned.
*Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, all in-person events were cancelled and our students will be celebrated virtually on June 4th at NPSI LIVE.
Culinary
1st- Mount Washington Valley Career & Technical Center (MWVCTC)
2nd- Pinkerton Academy
3rd- White Mountains Regional High School
Kaylee, Jaime, Riley, Tristan and Sierra from MWVCTC created a menu featuring an appetizer of crispy calamari and lemon served with harissa aioli and chermoula oil; an entrée of Moroccan rubbed rack of lamb with pomegranate reduction, lemon-cilantro vinaigrette tossed with rainbow fingerlings, and sautéed vegetable hash; and a dessert of vanilla bean panna cotta served with grapefruit and brown sugar caramel and topped with spiced pistachios. They executed this high level menu in 60 minutes using only two butane burners, no running water, and no electricity. We are very fortunate to have executive level and ACF certified chefs. All of which said the caliber of the menus and the execution by our ProStart students was outstanding.
Management
1st- Pinkerton Academy
2nd- Mount Washington Valley Career & Technical Center
John, Lily, Angelina, and Matthew from Pinkerton Academy designed Wild Bamboo an Asian restaurant devoted to the environment and sustainability. Their menu featured a dumpling soup, bibimap (a Korean rice dish topped with beef sautéed vegetables and a fried egg), duck (statler duck breast seared with the skin on, paired with bamboo rice and a tat soi-mushroom sauce, beef (sliced flank steak sautéed with onions, served with a side of fresh vegetable), and a steam cake. The judges were highly impressed by their QR coupon code and the website they designed from scratch. We are blessed to have judges from all facets of the industry and many of them were ready to hire our very talented students on the spot based on their ideas, creativity, and presentation skills.
Competing students will receive a variety of scholarships from Great Bay Community College, Lakes Region Community College, NHTI, and White Mountains Community College as well Johnson & Wales University and the Culinary Institute of America.
Our first place winners are invited to compete at the National ProStart Invitational in Washington D.C. in May. At the time of this post, this event is moving forward as planned.
*Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, all in-person events were cancelled and our students will be celebrated virtually on June 4th at NPSI LIVE.
White Mountains Regional High School Excels at the National ProStart Invitational in Washington, D.C.- May 2019
We couldn’t be more proud of White Mountains Regional High School, Whitefield who represented New Hampshire in both the culinary and management competition at the National ProStart Invitational in May 2019.
With a perfect score in safety and sanitation and a well-executed menu of Duet of Quail (pan seared breast, sunny side egg, wilted watercress, pan roasted mushrooms, and blackberry maple gastrique), Cornmeal Crusted Rainbow Trout (buttermilk soaked, smokey crimson lentils, asparagus, parsnips, and pickled red pearl onions), and Mango and Hazelnut (pliable mango curd, mango relish, hazelnut dark chocolate ganache, and caramelized hazelnut crumble), the culinary team placed eighth out of 46 teams. This is the best showing our state has had in the six years of competing at the National ProStart Invitational. The team of three seniors and two juniors was also the top placing New England team, followed by Maine in 19th place. A standing ovation for Garrik, Erin, Hunter, Zeke, and Macee!
The White Mountains management team invited the judges to “come gather at our table.” Settled near ProStartville’s college campus, the goal of their restaurant HOME was to provide their customers with a home away from home. Serving comfort foods such as traditional roasted “Sunday Chicken” for two, Apple Smoked Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf, and Cookie and Milk, HOME offered many seating styles for their guests including counter service, family style dining, small tables for studying, and a living room to eat and relax. One of the judge’s asked how the team would handle an influx of customers at one time. “We have TV trays ready to go to transform our living room and foyer into additional dining space.” The answer was well received. The staple of HOME was the focus on family with their customers and employees alike. Their HOME “Family Feature” was a rotating menu item where customers submitted a family recipe to be created by HOME chefs and shared in the restaurant. Using the feedback they received when they competed at Nationals in 2018, Dominic and Hunter and their new team members Nicole and Danica, jumped 16 slots from 2018 and placed 22nd out of 45 teams in 2019. New Hampshire is only in its second year of competing in management and White Mountains walked away with the best finish thus far. High fives all around to Dominic, Nicole, Hunter, and Danica! We hope to see current sophomore Nicole and Danica, a junior, compete next year.
The excitement, enthusiasm, and passion that is seen at Nationals from judges to teachers and from students to parents is top notch. These competitors are the future of the hospitality industry and the NHLRA and its education foundation are honored to support and cheer them on. I know I will forever be a White Mountains Spartan!
For more photos and videos, please view the Invitationals Photo Gallery.
With a perfect score in safety and sanitation and a well-executed menu of Duet of Quail (pan seared breast, sunny side egg, wilted watercress, pan roasted mushrooms, and blackberry maple gastrique), Cornmeal Crusted Rainbow Trout (buttermilk soaked, smokey crimson lentils, asparagus, parsnips, and pickled red pearl onions), and Mango and Hazelnut (pliable mango curd, mango relish, hazelnut dark chocolate ganache, and caramelized hazelnut crumble), the culinary team placed eighth out of 46 teams. This is the best showing our state has had in the six years of competing at the National ProStart Invitational. The team of three seniors and two juniors was also the top placing New England team, followed by Maine in 19th place. A standing ovation for Garrik, Erin, Hunter, Zeke, and Macee!
The White Mountains management team invited the judges to “come gather at our table.” Settled near ProStartville’s college campus, the goal of their restaurant HOME was to provide their customers with a home away from home. Serving comfort foods such as traditional roasted “Sunday Chicken” for two, Apple Smoked Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf, and Cookie and Milk, HOME offered many seating styles for their guests including counter service, family style dining, small tables for studying, and a living room to eat and relax. One of the judge’s asked how the team would handle an influx of customers at one time. “We have TV trays ready to go to transform our living room and foyer into additional dining space.” The answer was well received. The staple of HOME was the focus on family with their customers and employees alike. Their HOME “Family Feature” was a rotating menu item where customers submitted a family recipe to be created by HOME chefs and shared in the restaurant. Using the feedback they received when they competed at Nationals in 2018, Dominic and Hunter and their new team members Nicole and Danica, jumped 16 slots from 2018 and placed 22nd out of 45 teams in 2019. New Hampshire is only in its second year of competing in management and White Mountains walked away with the best finish thus far. High fives all around to Dominic, Nicole, Hunter, and Danica! We hope to see current sophomore Nicole and Danica, a junior, compete next year.
The excitement, enthusiasm, and passion that is seen at Nationals from judges to teachers and from students to parents is top notch. These competitors are the future of the hospitality industry and the NHLRA and its education foundation are honored to support and cheer them on. I know I will forever be a White Mountains Spartan!
For more photos and videos, please view the Invitationals Photo Gallery.
The Next Generation of the Industry Shines at the New Hampshire ProStart State Invitational- March 2019
On Monday. March 11th, the NHLRA hosted the New Hampshire ProStart State Invitational at the Executive Court Banquet Facility in Manchester. ProStart is a two-year career and technical education program focused on teaching culinary skills and restaurant management fundamentals.
The following schools brought their creativity, teamwork, and effort on Monday- Concord Regional Career Technical Center, Milford High School & Applied Technology Center (culinary and management), Mount Washington Valley Career & Technical Center, Pinkerton Academy (culinary and management), Portsmouth High School Culinary Arts, Richard W. Creteau Regional Technology Center, and White Mountains Regional High School (culinary and management). Monday’s competition was the best we’ve seen in the six years the NHLRA has hosted the event. From top to bottom, each school came to fiercely compete.
The following schools brought their creativity, teamwork, and effort on Monday- Concord Regional Career Technical Center, Milford High School & Applied Technology Center (culinary and management), Mount Washington Valley Career & Technical Center, Pinkerton Academy (culinary and management), Portsmouth High School Culinary Arts, Richard W. Creteau Regional Technology Center, and White Mountains Regional High School (culinary and management). Monday’s competition was the best we’ve seen in the six years the NHLRA has hosted the event. From top to bottom, each school came to fiercely compete.
Thank you to our sponsors for the 2019 ProStart State Invitational. We appreciate all of your support for this event and our ProStart students.
FEEDNH.org- Premier Culinary Sponsor
110 Grill- Premier Management Sponsor
State Invitational Sponsors- Gordon Food Service, High Liner Foods, Performance Food Group
All the Fixings Sponsor- The Common Man Family
Aprons and Beanies Sponsor- Bedford Village Inn
Continental Breakfast Sponsor- Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel
Goody Bag Sponsor- US Foods
Awards Sponsor- Heartland
Team Pride Sponsor- The Flatbread Company
In-Kind Donations- EcoLab
Thank you to NHLRA member judges and timekeepers.
110 Grill
Appalachian Mountain Club
The Common Man Family
Hart’s Turkey Farm
High Liner Foods
Three Chimney’s Inn
Vintage Baking Company
Scholarships were awarded to the first, second, and third place winners for both the culinary and management teams. Scholarships were received from The Culinary Institute of America, The Culinary Institute of Virginia, Johnson & Wales University, Louisiana Culinary Institute, and the New England Culinary Institute.
White Mountains Regional High School’s really knocked the day out of the park with first place finishes in both Culinary and Management as well as individual and team awards in Presentation Skills, Critical Thinking, and Safety & Sanitation. They will go on to compete against the best of the best from each state as well as DoDEA schools at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s National ProStart Invitational, May 8-10, in Washington, D.C.
The NHLRAEF is so proud of the students and their teachers. All of the teams put forth an incredible amount of effort leading up to and during the competition. We wish White Mountains Regional High School the best of luck at Nationals!
For more photos and videos, please view the Invitationals Photo Gallery.
FEEDNH.org- Premier Culinary Sponsor
110 Grill- Premier Management Sponsor
State Invitational Sponsors- Gordon Food Service, High Liner Foods, Performance Food Group
All the Fixings Sponsor- The Common Man Family
Aprons and Beanies Sponsor- Bedford Village Inn
Continental Breakfast Sponsor- Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel
Goody Bag Sponsor- US Foods
Awards Sponsor- Heartland
Team Pride Sponsor- The Flatbread Company
In-Kind Donations- EcoLab
Thank you to NHLRA member judges and timekeepers.
110 Grill
Appalachian Mountain Club
The Common Man Family
Hart’s Turkey Farm
High Liner Foods
Three Chimney’s Inn
Vintage Baking Company
Scholarships were awarded to the first, second, and third place winners for both the culinary and management teams. Scholarships were received from The Culinary Institute of America, The Culinary Institute of Virginia, Johnson & Wales University, Louisiana Culinary Institute, and the New England Culinary Institute.
White Mountains Regional High School’s really knocked the day out of the park with first place finishes in both Culinary and Management as well as individual and team awards in Presentation Skills, Critical Thinking, and Safety & Sanitation. They will go on to compete against the best of the best from each state as well as DoDEA schools at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s National ProStart Invitational, May 8-10, in Washington, D.C.
The NHLRAEF is so proud of the students and their teachers. All of the teams put forth an incredible amount of effort leading up to and during the competition. We wish White Mountains Regional High School the best of luck at Nationals!
For more photos and videos, please view the Invitationals Photo Gallery.
National ProStart Invitational- April 2018
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The National ProStart Invitational is the country’s premier high school competition focused on culinary arts and restaurant management. This year’s event was held in Providence, Rhode Island on April 27-April 29. Pinkerton Academy, Derry and White Mountains Regional High School, Whitefield competed against the best of the best from 45 other states and DoDEA. The competition was fierce.
Pinkerton Academy noticed the culinary game was upped from the 2017 Nationals. Everyone brought their "A" game to the table. Madison, Caelan, Matt, Josh, and Andrew showcased teamwork, great communication, and produced three beautiful plates. They prepared a three-course meal in 60 minutes, using only two butane burners, and no access to running water or electricity. The judges evaluated them on taste, skill, teamwork, safety, and sanitation. Their high class menu featured Pan-Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Espresso-Rubbed Bison Strip Steak, and White Chocolate Lavender Bavarian. Each dish received high marks in execution and like the previous year, had one of the cleanest stations in the competition space. They finished 18th which was their result in 2017 and keep a hold on the best finish by a New Hampshire team. Madison will be the only returning teammate next year and the four gentlemen will be missed!
White Mountains Regional High School took on the challenge of being the first management team to compete from New Hampshire which was no easy feat. They designed their own restaurant in “ProStartville” and presented it to a group of judges on their concept, menu and costing, marketing, critical thinking, and operations. The judges found the team very genuine, having great energy, and loved their commitment to New Hampshire and their Melted Mountain concept which showcased elevated grilled cheeses. They thought the trio was fun and engaging. By the end of their presentation, everyone in the room knew their jingle, "It ain't easy being cheesy on Melted Mountain," and about the Wicked Pissah Whoopie Pie on their menu. They finished 38th in the competition. Dominic, Noah, and Hunter are juniors and now that they've had this first experience at Nationals under their belt, they're ready to take on the 2019 competition.
The event was attended by Mike Somers, president & chief executive officer, and Amie Pariseau, education and workforce development director and NH ProStart coordinator from the NHLRA.
Amie Pariseau stated, "Both Pinkerton and White Mountains committed to practicing over the last few months to prepare for the State Invitational and Regional Invitational and then culminated all of their hard work at the National Invitational. They seized the moment and showcased their passion and enthusiasm for the hospitality industry as well as their commitment to their each other to build formidable teams. What a great group to spend the weekend with. The NHLRA couldn't be more proud of these eight students."
For more photos and videos, please view the Invitationals Photo Gallery.
Pinkerton Academy noticed the culinary game was upped from the 2017 Nationals. Everyone brought their "A" game to the table. Madison, Caelan, Matt, Josh, and Andrew showcased teamwork, great communication, and produced three beautiful plates. They prepared a three-course meal in 60 minutes, using only two butane burners, and no access to running water or electricity. The judges evaluated them on taste, skill, teamwork, safety, and sanitation. Their high class menu featured Pan-Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Espresso-Rubbed Bison Strip Steak, and White Chocolate Lavender Bavarian. Each dish received high marks in execution and like the previous year, had one of the cleanest stations in the competition space. They finished 18th which was their result in 2017 and keep a hold on the best finish by a New Hampshire team. Madison will be the only returning teammate next year and the four gentlemen will be missed!
White Mountains Regional High School took on the challenge of being the first management team to compete from New Hampshire which was no easy feat. They designed their own restaurant in “ProStartville” and presented it to a group of judges on their concept, menu and costing, marketing, critical thinking, and operations. The judges found the team very genuine, having great energy, and loved their commitment to New Hampshire and their Melted Mountain concept which showcased elevated grilled cheeses. They thought the trio was fun and engaging. By the end of their presentation, everyone in the room knew their jingle, "It ain't easy being cheesy on Melted Mountain," and about the Wicked Pissah Whoopie Pie on their menu. They finished 38th in the competition. Dominic, Noah, and Hunter are juniors and now that they've had this first experience at Nationals under their belt, they're ready to take on the 2019 competition.
The event was attended by Mike Somers, president & chief executive officer, and Amie Pariseau, education and workforce development director and NH ProStart coordinator from the NHLRA.
Amie Pariseau stated, "Both Pinkerton and White Mountains committed to practicing over the last few months to prepare for the State Invitational and Regional Invitational and then culminated all of their hard work at the National Invitational. They seized the moment and showcased their passion and enthusiasm for the hospitality industry as well as their commitment to their each other to build formidable teams. What a great group to spend the weekend with. The NHLRA couldn't be more proud of these eight students."
For more photos and videos, please view the Invitationals Photo Gallery.
New Hampshire ProStart State Invitational- March 2018
On Saturday, March 10th, the NHLRA hosted the New Hampshire ProStart State Invitational at the University of New Hampshire’s Stillings Hall in Durham.
The following schools brought their creativity, teamwork, and effort on Saturday- Milford High School & Applied Technology Center (culinary and management), Pinkerton Academy (culinary and management), Portsmouth High School Culinary Arts, Richard W. Creteau Regional Technology Center, Somersworth Career & Technical Center, and White Mountains Regional High School (culinary and management). Saturday’s competition was highly competitive. Every school came with focus, purpose, and a cheering squad!
Thank you to our sponsors for the 2018 ProStart State Invitational. We appreciate all of your support for this event and our ProStart students.
FEEDNH.org- Premier Culinary Sponsor
Performance Foodservice- State Culinary Sponsor
Aprons and Beanies Sponsor- Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel
High Liner Foods- State Management Sponsor
Goody Bag Sponsor- US Foods
Awards Sponsor- The Flatbread Company
Team Pride Sponsor- The Flatbread Company
Keep Them Fed Sponsor- UNH
In-Kind Donations- EcoLab and Kittredge Foodservice Equipment & Supplies
Thank you to NHLRA member judges and timekeepers:
Appalachian Mountain Club
Hart’s Turkey Farm
High Liner Foods
Performance Foodservice
Southern New Hampshire University
Sysco NNE
Three Chimney’s Inn
Vintage Baking Company
Scholarships were awarded to the first, second, and third place winners for both the culinary and management teams. Scholarships were received from the The Art Institutes, The Culinary Institute of America, The Culinary Institute of Virginia, Louisiana Culinary Institute, and the New England Culinary Institute.
Pinkerton Academy and White Mountains Regional High School will go on to compete against Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island at the New England ProStart Regional Invitational in Maine on March 24th and against the best of the best from each state as well as DoDEA schools at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s National ProStart Invitational, April 28 – April 29, in Providence, Rhode Island.
The NHLRAEF is so proud of the students and their teachers. All of the teams put forth an incredible amount of effort leading up to and during the competition. We wish Pinkerton Academy and White Mountains Regional High School the best of luck at Nationals!
Also check out a great wrap-up on the New Hampshire Career & Technical Education site- Nothing "soft" about skills displayed at NH ProStart Invitational.
For more photos and videos, please view the Invitationals Photo Gallery.
The following schools brought their creativity, teamwork, and effort on Saturday- Milford High School & Applied Technology Center (culinary and management), Pinkerton Academy (culinary and management), Portsmouth High School Culinary Arts, Richard W. Creteau Regional Technology Center, Somersworth Career & Technical Center, and White Mountains Regional High School (culinary and management). Saturday’s competition was highly competitive. Every school came with focus, purpose, and a cheering squad!
Thank you to our sponsors for the 2018 ProStart State Invitational. We appreciate all of your support for this event and our ProStart students.
FEEDNH.org- Premier Culinary Sponsor
Performance Foodservice- State Culinary Sponsor
Aprons and Beanies Sponsor- Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel
High Liner Foods- State Management Sponsor
Goody Bag Sponsor- US Foods
Awards Sponsor- The Flatbread Company
Team Pride Sponsor- The Flatbread Company
Keep Them Fed Sponsor- UNH
In-Kind Donations- EcoLab and Kittredge Foodservice Equipment & Supplies
Thank you to NHLRA member judges and timekeepers:
Appalachian Mountain Club
Hart’s Turkey Farm
High Liner Foods
Performance Foodservice
Southern New Hampshire University
Sysco NNE
Three Chimney’s Inn
Vintage Baking Company
Scholarships were awarded to the first, second, and third place winners for both the culinary and management teams. Scholarships were received from the The Art Institutes, The Culinary Institute of America, The Culinary Institute of Virginia, Louisiana Culinary Institute, and the New England Culinary Institute.
Pinkerton Academy and White Mountains Regional High School will go on to compete against Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island at the New England ProStart Regional Invitational in Maine on March 24th and against the best of the best from each state as well as DoDEA schools at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s National ProStart Invitational, April 28 – April 29, in Providence, Rhode Island.
The NHLRAEF is so proud of the students and their teachers. All of the teams put forth an incredible amount of effort leading up to and during the competition. We wish Pinkerton Academy and White Mountains Regional High School the best of luck at Nationals!
Also check out a great wrap-up on the New Hampshire Career & Technical Education site- Nothing "soft" about skills displayed at NH ProStart Invitational.
For more photos and videos, please view the Invitationals Photo Gallery.
Culinary First Place- Pinkerton Academy (two time winners!), Derry Second Place- White Mountains Regional High School, Whitefield Third Place- Somersworth Career & Technical Center, Somersworth |
Management
First Place- White Mountains Regional High School, Whitefield Second Place- Pinkerton Academy, Derry Third Place- Milford High School & Applied Technology Center, Milford |
National ProStart Invitational- April 2017
The National ProStart Invitational is the country’s premier high school competition focused on restaurant management and culinary arts.
On April 27, five students from Pinkerton Academy, Derry, NH made their way to Charleston, SC to compete at the 16th Annual National ProStart Invitational. This year, nearly 400 student competitors from 46 states, Guam, and DoDEA put their skills to the test in front of culinary and restaurant business leaders, family, and friends. National ProStart Invitational activities began April 28 with the Business & Education Expo and the weekend officially kicked off Friday evening at the Opening Ceremony. Students had time to unwind and celebrate their successes on Saturday evening at Champions’ Night In. The festivities concluded with an Awards Dinner honoring the winners on the evening of April 30. Outside of the competition, all competitors had the opportunity to network with restaurant and hospitality industry leaders and learn more about post-secondary education opportunities.
Pinkerton prepared a three-course meal in 60 minutes, using only two butane burners, and no access to running water or electricity. The judges evaluated them on taste, skill, teamwork, safety, and sanitation. They presented a menu of Pan-Seared Jumbo Scallop with Peach “Caviar”, Applewood Smoked Duck Breast, and Macerated Berries and Cream with Pinkerton harvested maple syrup.
Chef Mark Cahill said, "It was an incredible journey that exceeded all of our expectations. We are forever grateful to our friends, families and colleagues (NHRLA, FEEDNH) for their guidance, support and generosity. For our students, this experience has opened up a world of opportunity, and is one that will catapult them into the next chapter in their lives."
NHLRA’s education and workforce development manager, Amie Pariseau, agreed. “This trip to Nationals was amazing. Andrew, Brad, Caelan, Matt, and Vanessa really brought their “A” game to the competition. They were focused, determined, had one of the cleanest stations in the competition, and above all, they were a team from start to finish. I was so proud to watch them!”
For more photos and videos, please view the Invitationals Photo Gallery.
On April 27, five students from Pinkerton Academy, Derry, NH made their way to Charleston, SC to compete at the 16th Annual National ProStart Invitational. This year, nearly 400 student competitors from 46 states, Guam, and DoDEA put their skills to the test in front of culinary and restaurant business leaders, family, and friends. National ProStart Invitational activities began April 28 with the Business & Education Expo and the weekend officially kicked off Friday evening at the Opening Ceremony. Students had time to unwind and celebrate their successes on Saturday evening at Champions’ Night In. The festivities concluded with an Awards Dinner honoring the winners on the evening of April 30. Outside of the competition, all competitors had the opportunity to network with restaurant and hospitality industry leaders and learn more about post-secondary education opportunities.
Pinkerton prepared a three-course meal in 60 minutes, using only two butane burners, and no access to running water or electricity. The judges evaluated them on taste, skill, teamwork, safety, and sanitation. They presented a menu of Pan-Seared Jumbo Scallop with Peach “Caviar”, Applewood Smoked Duck Breast, and Macerated Berries and Cream with Pinkerton harvested maple syrup.
Chef Mark Cahill said, "It was an incredible journey that exceeded all of our expectations. We are forever grateful to our friends, families and colleagues (NHRLA, FEEDNH) for their guidance, support and generosity. For our students, this experience has opened up a world of opportunity, and is one that will catapult them into the next chapter in their lives."
NHLRA’s education and workforce development manager, Amie Pariseau, agreed. “This trip to Nationals was amazing. Andrew, Brad, Caelan, Matt, and Vanessa really brought their “A” game to the competition. They were focused, determined, had one of the cleanest stations in the competition, and above all, they were a team from start to finish. I was so proud to watch them!”
For more photos and videos, please view the Invitationals Photo Gallery.
New Hampshire ProStart State Invitational- March 2017
The ProStart State Invitational is New Hampshire’s premier culinary competition featuring
high school juniors and seniors.
The 2017 State Invitational was held on Saturday, March 11 at UNH- Stillings Dining Hall in Durham, NH. The competition kicked off with competing school, Portsmouth High School, at 8am and ended with an awards ceremony. The competition was very tight with first place and last place only ten points apart.
Our competing schools were Concord Regional Technical Center, Creteau Regional Technology Center, Milford High School & Applied Technology Center, Mount Washington Valley Career & Technical Center, Pinkerton Academy, Plymouth Applied Technology Center, and Portsmouth High School.
Congratulations to Pinkerton Academy! Following their state win, they competed at the New England Regional ProStart Invitational on April 1st in Portland, ME. This competition between CT, ME, NH, and RI was great practice as they prepared to represent New Hampshire at the
2017 National ProStart Invitational.
For more photos and videos, please view the Invitationals Photo Gallery.
