2008 National Recipe Contest - Winners

Out of more than 500 applicants nation-wide 20 students were asked to come to Johnson & Wales University (JWU)’s North Miami Campus to compete in its 19th Annual National Chef of the Year competition on April 12.    
 
Ten students competed in the dinner category and 10 competed in the dessert category. Students had three hours to prepare their recipes for a panel of judges for the chances to win scholarship money to JWU and a meeting with JWU alumnus and Food Network star Tyler Florence.
 
A full-tuition scholarship, valued at more than $80,000 was awarded to the grand prize winner. First runner-up in both categories received a $7,500 renewable tuition scholarship and second runner-up received a $5,000 renewable tuition scholarship to JWU. A $3,500 renewable tuition scholarship to JWU was awarded to the remaining finalists. All the competitors received an autographed copy of Tyler Florence’s latest cookbook, Tyler’s Ultimate.
 
This year’s competition asked high school juniors and seniors to create an original recipe that incorporates their family heritage or ethnicity. The recipe had to be nutritionally balanced according to the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society dietary guidelines. One of the goals of the competition is to increase awareness of teen obesity. Details on the Chef of the Year competition are available online.
 
Each dish was judged on overall quality; flavor, taste, texture and doneness; presentation; creativity; mise en place; sanitation and cooking techniques. This year’s judges included Thomas Gosney, personal chef for Shaquille O’Neal; Izabela Wojcik, director of house events at The James Beard Foundation, and Wolfgang Bierer, a certified American Culinary Federation judge and culinary educator.
 
A full list of the finalists follows:
 
DESSERT CATEGORY
 
Grand prize winner (full tuition scholarship to JWU and a meeting with celebrity chef and JWU alumnus Tyler Florence)
Luis Rojas, a senior at East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, N.C.
White Chocolate Strawberry Mousse with Tuile Cookie and Strawberry Coulis
 
First runner-up ($7,500 scholarship to JWU, renewable for up to four years)
Christina Pham, a senior at Shawnee Mission West High School in Overland Park, Kan.
Dual Vietnamese Sweet Rice Puddings on Coconut White Chocolate Panna Cotta
 
Second runner-up ($5,000 scholarship to JWU, renewable for up to four years)
Remy Coltek, a junior at Pope High School in Marietta, Ga.
Crisp Flax and Sesame Crusted Strawberry Strudle with Thyme-Lemon Sauce and Melon Compote
 
DINNER CATEGORY
 
Grand prize winner (full tuition scholarship to JWU and a meeting with celebrity chef and JWU alumnus Tyler Florence)
Brett Eisen, a senior at Parkway Central High School in Chesterfield, Mo.
Oven-Roasted Chilean Sea Bass with a Citrus Israeli Couscous Cake topped with a watercress fennel salad and finished with a vanilla tangerine reduction
 
First runner-up ($7,500 scholarship to JWU, renewable for up to four years)
Jessica Papirio, a senior at Walpole High School in Walpole, Mass.
Bella Chicken with Gramma Papirio’s Roasted Potatoes in Pesto Sauce and Pecorino Romano Asparagus with Roasted Pepper Tie
 
Second runner-up ($5,000 scholarship to JWU, renewable for up to four years)
Kaitlin Payne, a senior at Freeman High School in Richmond, Va.
Pan-SearedSea Scallops with Corn Salsa, Fried Plantains, Grilled Asparagus and a Cilantro-Lime Emulsion
 
STRAWBERRY CATEGORY
 
The Florida Strawberry Growers Association also awarded a scholarship to high school juniors and seniors whose entries included the most creative use of strawberries.
 
Grand prize winner ($2,500 scholarship from the Florida Strawberry Growers Association)
Luis Rojas, a senior at East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, N.C.
White Chocolate Strawberry Mousse with Tuile Cookie and Strawberry Coulis
 
First runner-up ($1,500 scholarship from the Florida Strawberry Growers Association)
Valerie NeSmith, a senior at Amos P. Godby High School in Tallahassee, Fla.
Strawberry Gallette with Lemon Custard and Strawberry Chambord
 
Second runner-up ($1,000 scholarship from the Florida Strawberry Growers Association)
Kevin Frei, a senior at Potter-Dix High School in Potter, Neb.
Fresh Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Stuffed in a Crispy Pizzelle Cookie