The culinary south witnessed a spectacular showdown as 14 talented high school teams from across Texas gathered in Houston for Aramark Student Nutrition’s statewide Culinary Star Competition. Before gracing the stage at Minute Maid Park, these teams had already proven their mettle by triumphing in district-level events.
“I was very impressed what these students brought to the competition, wow!” said Aramark Student Nutrition Chef Alicia Rivera. “The hard work and thought that they put into creating their dishes was thrilling, and I hope I’m witnessing a new generation of culinarians getting their start.”
The Challenge: Vegetarian Lunch Entrée
The theme for this year’s competition was Vegetarian Lunch Entrée. Students showcased their creativity, culinary skills, and teamwork as they developed, prepared, plated, and presented their menu. Students created recipes from a pre-determined pantry list, which was also used for their local competitions. A set of mystery ingredients were unveiled at the event, and teams were required to incorporate selections into their recipe. Students were very creative, adding jackfruit, miso, turnip, adobo, kimchi, kale, heirloom tomatoes, and radishes into their dishes. This was a timed competition, judged by professional chefs and an industry professional.
And the Winners Are…
Led by Victoria Hooker, the Northwest ISD’s Gourmet Bobcats—Madeline Boyd, Thomas Frisinger, and Jonathan Mayer—claimed the top spot with a Vegetarian Bolognese Pasta, showcasing plant protein in a bold, flavorful tomato-based sauce, served with whole wheat pasta. Their harmonious blend of flavors, artistic presentation, and attention to detail wowed the judges. Their winning award was a well-deserved scholarship courtesy of Chrane Foodservice Solutions and Mod-U-Serve.
“I am so proud of our team! They did an outstanding job in the execution of their menu,” said Chef Victoria Hooker with the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Academy at Byron Nelson High School. “The competition was tough this year, there were so many great dishes. I never cease to be amazed at student creativity and performance. Thank you, Aramark, Chrane, and Mod-U-Serve, for all you do for our students!”
Two teams were close on Northwest ISD’s trail. The Connally Cougars from Pflugerville ISD, composed of Elizabeth Castillo, Andres Aguillon-Jaimes, and Bianca Ugarte, led by Tevin Blackwell Daley, showcased their culinary prowess with an inventive Quinoa Stir Fry with Marinated Tofu & Chipotle Crema that incorporated kimchi and radishes. Not far behind were the Team Titans from Goose Creek CISD: O’Hanna Moore, Chelsea Martial, and Mackenzie Moorehead, led by Kylie Sobczak. Their flavorful Veggie Stirfry with adobo, jackfruit, kimchi, and radishes creation impressed the judges, securing their spot as runners-up.
Celebrating Culinary Excellence
According to Aramark Student Nutrition Regional Vice President Dave Parsonage, the event showcased the best student culinary talent in the state: "Nothing excites me more than being a part of such an exciting event as our annual Culinary Star Competition. This year, the competition was especially fierce, with more than 40 students from across the state battling it out for their team to be recognized as our 2024 champion. We congratulate Northwest ISD's Gourmet Bobcats and express a huge thank you to all of the districts who participated."
The Aramark Student Nutrition Culinary Star Competition not only celebrated gastronomic creativity but also fostered camaraderie among young chefs. Congratulations to all of the teams for their fabulous food and an amazing competition: Clint ISD, Fort Worth ISD, Frenship ISD, Friendswood ISD, Goose Creek CISD, Lewisville ISD, Lubbock ISD, Luling ISD, Mathis ISD, Midlothian ISD, Midway ISD, Northwest ISD, Pflugerville ISD, Round Rock ISD.
