Arcadia Teen Wins Chef Competition, $4,000 Scholarship to Culinary Institute

Adapted from an Art Institute of California press release.

Five aspiring chefs with a love and passion for food put their kitchen skills to the test as they competed for scholarships to culinary school. In the end, there could only be one winner, and student Tiffany Luu took the coveted title: The Art Institute of California-Los Angeles Best Teen Chef 2012.

During the cook-off competition, which The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-Los Angeles sponsored, competitors showcased their skills by preparing and serving a two-course meal in just two hours.

The meal consisted of a sautéed breast of chicken with creative garnish, rice pilaf and broccoli sauté.

Competitors were judged on technical skills and five specific qualities of the finished dishes — temperature, taste, texture, portion size and presentation.

In addition to the title, Luu will be awarded a $4,000 tuition scholarship toward a culinary degree program at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-Los Angeles.

Luu has held a strong interest in food ever since she entered her school’s food science program as a sophomore. Luu credits teachers Judy Huffaker and Nancy Edwards as influencing her pursuit of culinary education.

Breana Monroe, who attends Independence High School in Bakersfield, took home the silver medal and a $1,000 scholarship.

“We were very impressed by all the high school seniors who competed in the...competition this year; their passion and enthusiasm for the culinary arts is inspiring,”  said Chef Christophe Bernard, Culinary Arts academic director at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-Los Angeles. “But Luu really stood out with a stellar performance.”

The Art Institutes Best Teen Chef Competition, now in its twelfth year, is an opportunity for high school seniors across North America interested in pursuing a culinary career to experience the excitement and discipline of the industry.

Cook-off competitions were also held at other participating International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes locations across the U.S. and Canada during the months of March and April.

In addition to earning their scholarship awards, all local Best Teen Chef first place winners will be entered into a random drawing for a national prize — a trip to New York City for a very special food experience.