Houston, TX (March 27, 2025) — Aramark Student Nutrition proudly hosted its annual Culinary Star Competition at Daikin Park, the home of the Houston Astros. Twelve student teams from various districts across Texas gathered to compete for the prestigious Culinary Star title and a $3,000 scholarship, generously sponsored by Chrane and Mod-u-Serve. After stiff competition, the Lewisville ISD team took top honors.
This year's theme, Flavors of the Southwest, encouraged students to craft delicious entrees that highlighted local ingredients and flavors.
“What an honor it was for me to judge this young group of aspiring chefs at The Culinary Star Competition,” said Chef Laura McMann, Senior Executive Chef for Aramark Student Nutrition. “I was most impressed with their level of professionalism and how they worked together as a team. Not to mention their ability to bring together flavors and serve them up a on beautifully plated dish. What I think I loved most was how they shared their family roots in some of their dishes and were so proud to tell the story. It was very heartwarming and showed their true passion for cooking.”
Prior to the competition, students refined their recipes but were required to include at least two mystery ingredients from a basket presented at the start of the event. Each team had one hour to plan, gather their ingredients, cook, and plate their dish.
Afterward, each team showcased their creation to the judges, answered questions, and received constructive feedback. Teams were evaluated based on criteria such as appearance, taste, difficulty level, use of mystery ingredients, culinary technique, and cleanliness.
The dishes were evaluated by a distinguished panel of guest Chefs: Logan Baker, Chef de Cuisine Houston Astros for Aramark Sports & Entertainment; Chef Philippe Boucaumont, System Culinary Director for Aramark Healthcare+; Chef Larry Matson, ACF Culinary Judge and Chair of the Culinary Arts Department at Tyler Junior College; and Chef Laura McMann, Senior Executive Chef for Aramark Student Nutrition.
“It was a difficult decision, as all the dishes were so carefully thought out and executed. I would be proud to work side by side with any one of these young chefs in the kitchen. They truly are our future culinarians, and I love that Aramark Student Nutrition is invested in developing the next generation of great chefs,” said Chef McMann. “Special thanks to Chef Alicia Rivera and her team for making this experience possible for these students. It was a day they will never forget!”
Every team showcased distinctive culinary creativity, exceptional flavors, and remarkable collaboration to finish their dishes within the given time frame. Three teams stood out: Sealy ISD as the second runner-up, Round Rock ISD as the first runner-up, and this year's champion, Lewisville ISD.
Participating Districts:
- Sealy ISD
- Round Rock ISD
- Midlothian ISD
- Sherman ISD
- Lubbock ISD
- Goose Creek ISD
- San Diego ISD
- Clint ISD
- Friendswood ISD
- Lamesa ISD
- Midway ISD
- Lewisville ISD
