by Ashley Randall

Farm to Cafeteria

On the morning of May 14, six middle school students arrived in the public school’s culinary arts room ready to wow our judges for the 2016 Student Chef Competition. Students set their cooking stations with cutting boards, knives, measuring cups and fresh ingredients. After a reminder about kitchen safety and cleanliness from Chef Zach, students turned on their one pot burner and began cooking! What followed was a passionate display of cooking and cooperation.

Our five judges deliberated over the meals in length, considering their scores based on: recipe, presentation, taste, mise en place and cleanliness. Every student was praised for their accomplishments and showcasing their culinary skills with an audience.

There were no losers, but it was a competition, and there were students who scored highest. First place was Theo Vaccarella who made a nutritious garden meatball soup. His prize? A pasta making class with Angela Emery of Catkin Café for up to six people.

Tayla Malo and Alecia Talbot prepared a saucy chicken white chili that put them in second place winning each of them a dinner for two at Mijitas. Our runner-ups Kashi Campbell and Makena and Shay Silva each won a delicious pairing of Girl Meets Dirt preserve and Meyers goat cheese. All participants received a utility knife, cheese grater and set of measuring spoons donated by Island Market and a Klean Kanteen tumbler.

Our sincere thanks to our sponsors for supporting our budding chefs: Catkin Café, Roses Bakery Cafe, Mijitas, Island Market, Orcas Hotel, Orcas Village Store, Girl Meets Dirt and Doe Bay Cafe. Our thanks also to everyone who attended the competition to cheer on our stellar student chefs.