![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2014/09/IMG_249_609421251.jpg)
Lyla Morris from Trinityhouse High School Randpark Ridge entered the International Hotel School’s Ultimate School Cook Off competition (https://www.citizen.co.za/randburg-sun/236112/time-to-prove-your-culinary-skills/ ) following the announcement by her Life Orientation teacher Avril van der Velde.
Her keen sense for all things food related sparked up and on 6 September she put her culinary skills to the test at the Sandton campus.
As a pupil, she has a penchant toward cultural activities and the competition suited her just right.
At the cook-off, her winning meal was beetroot risotto with lamb cutlets.
Hailing from an Italian background, cooking has always been part of her family life. Of the day of the competition Lyla says, “I felt excited butterflies not scared butteflies; I was lucky we were given ingredients and I was comfortable with risotto rice and beetroot.”
She won the Johannesburg division, competing against 10 other pupils from around the city and receiving a one-year bursary to the International Hotel School.
Lyla is going to the finals on 4 October in Durban to challenge the other finalists from Durban and Cape Town where the winner will jet set to London to indulge in the many activities planned.
Being in Grade 11 Lyla says, “I still have a whole year to decide what I want to do for my future but it will definitely be centered around food.
“When asked what her favourite food was, she responded, “My favourite cuisine is food.”
Details:www.trinityhouse.co.za/randparkridge ; www.schoolcookoff.co.za or 086 144 3300.