North Technical Crowned Champion of Ninth Annual Culinary Cook-Off Tuesday April 5, 2016 By Patrick Anthony Paraino at 314-922-0654 aparaino@explorestlouis.com, or Kiara Bryant at 314-992-0614 kbryant@explorestlouis.com For Immediate Release North Technical Crowned Champion of Ninth Annual Culinary Cook-Off ST. LOUIS (March 30, 2016) – With the coveted Levy Cup as the top prize, North Technical won Explore St. Louis’ ninth annual Culinary Cook-Off on Thursday, March 17 at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park. “Congratulations to North Technical and all the students who put their hearts and souls into this intense, pressure-filled competition,” said Tony Paraino, Director – Communications, Explore St. Louis, whose organization sponsored the event. “It was a spirited, educational challenge and a fun stage for young St. Louis chefs to showcase their skills toward a possible career in the culinary arts.” Held by Explore St. Louis in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week (May 1-7, 2016) and based on the Food Network’s “Iron Chef” competition, the Culinary Cook-Off requires each team to create a three-course meal over a two-hour period without knowing the ingredients beforehand. To capture the Gold Medal and the Levy Cup, North Tech garnered the most overall points from a panel of four judges. Clyde C. Miller finished second (Silver Medal) while South Technical placed third (Bronze Medal). In addition to the Levy Cup, individual awards were also bestowed. Camille Durr of South Tech received the Elijah Moore Culinary Leadership Award, presented to the student who demonstrates outstanding leadership. She also received a $1,500 scholarship from Explore St. Louis to the culinary institution of her choice. Serving as judges were Don Yamauchi (Executive Chef at Ameristar), Timothy Montgomery (Executive Chef at The Barn at Sappington House), Catherine Klene (Sauce Magazine) and Dan Neman (St. Louis Post-Dispatch). Tammie Holland of 100.3 The Beat served as emcee. Assisting Explore St. Louis with the event were Guy Reinbolt (Executive Chef at Levy Restaurants), Ellen Piazza (Chef, Instructor at STLCC-Forest Park), George Guthier (Chef at Companion Baking) and Thomas Elkin (Chef, STLCC-Forest Park). Share
