Students and Chef Compete in World Food Championships

Area 31 Culinary Arts students recently showcased their culinary talents at the World Food Championships Juniors on November 8th at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. This prestigious event brought together top young chefs from across the country. Area 31 students were proud to participate after qualifying in September through their impressive performance in the Perfect Bite competition.

This year's competition theme was "Healthy Fresh," with a required ingredient of pork loin provided by the Indiana Pork Producers Association. Twelve Area 31 Culinary Arts students competed in six teams of two, creating original dishes that followed the competition's theme.

The event was a tremendous success for our students, with one team securing an outstanding 3rd-place finish. This achievement earned them a $400 award from the World Food Championships, highlighting their skill and creativity in the kitchen.

In addition to our student's success, Area 31 Culinary Arts instructor Chef Erin Oechsle also made her mark in the competition. On the following day, Chef Oechsle competed in the Seafood Division, facing off against professional chefs from around the world. Her impressive performance earned her 6th place in the competition, further showcasing our culinary program's high level of talent and expertise.

The World Food Championships Juniors experience was an incredible opportunity for our students to challenge themselves, refine their culinary skills, and gain exposure to the world of professional cooking.