Best Teen Chef Competition

A San Diego teenager made her first mark on the culinary world today, emerging from the heat of the kitchens at The Art Institute of Dallas as the "Best Teen Chef 2007." Amanda Nuñez of Rancho Bernardo, Calif. won the national competition, hosted by The Art Institutes, becoming the eighth student to lay claim to the title since the inaugural competition in 2000. Alex Konopacky of Plover, Wisc. and Lara Pullin of Fate, Texas earned second- and third-place honors.

Twenty-three high school seniors from across North America sliced, diced, and sautéed their way through a grueling two-hour competition under the watchful eyes of The Art Institutes' Master Chef faculty and former White House Executive Chef, Walter Scheib, in pursuit of more than $250,000 in tuition scholarships to study the culinary arts at The Art Institutes. In addition to the title, Nuñez won a full tuition scholarship to The Art Institute of California – San Diego, worth more than $40,000.

Open to high school seniors across the U.S. and Canada, The Best Teen Chef Competition was created to recognize, encourage and reward exceptional culinary talent at the high school level.

Competitors were judged on cleanliness, taste, presentation, and more. This year's menu was designed to satisfy a Texas-sized appetite, featuring Tortilla Soup, Starburst Grapefruit Salad, Pork Medallions and Arroz a la Mexicana. All contestants prepared the same menu and were judged on the same criteria.

Nuñez, a senior at Rancho Bernardo High School, used to be a picky eater – before she fell in love with cooking. Inspired by her mother's creativity in the kitchen, Amanda began to appreciate the craft of Italian cuisine. She prefers to prepare innovative creations while experimenting with unique ingredients. As for her favorite dish to prepare, Amanda loves anything involving pasta.

While juggling school work as well, Nuñez has worked three nights a week as a pastry and pantry prep chef at a local Italian restaurant, being responsible for the preparation of pizzas, salads and desserts.

Chef Michael Nenes, Assistant Vice President of Culinary Arts for The Art Institutes, said, "Each year, the caliber and talent of the students who compete for the title of Best Teen Chef becomes more impressive. The competition's history has shown us that to get this far, these students have already demonstrated that they are talented chefs. The key to Best Teen Chef competiton, however, is to come with your game face on and be ready to out-cook the competition. Training, focus and determination – all qualities of the most successful chefs - are paramount. Amanda distinguished herself throughout the competition, and all of the judges were very impressed with her excellent culinary skills and focus under pressure."

Schools represented at this year's Best Teen Chef Competition include: The Art Institute of Atlanta, The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, The Art Institute of California – Los Angeles, The Art Institute of California – Orange County, The Art Institute of California – San Diego, The Art Institute of Charlotte, The Art Institute of Colorado, The Art Institute of Dallas, The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, The Art Institute of Houston, The Art Institute of Indianapolis, The Art Institute of Las Vegas, The Art Institutes International Minnesota, The Art Institute of New York City, The Art Institute of Philadelphia, The Art Institute of Phoenix, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, The Art Institute of Seattle, The Art Institute of Tampa, The Art Institute of Tennessee – Nashville, The Art Institute of Vancouver, The Art Institute of Washington, and The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago.

The Art Institutes Best Teen Chef Competition Deadline for entries: February 8, 2008 (date subject to change).

Find out more about The Art Institutes Best Teen Chef Competition:

Download the Best Teen Chef competition brochure