Best Teen Chef Local Cook-Off

Saturday, I hung out with Chef Marc Aquilara, Chef Glenn Brown and State Rep. Jerry Torr as we judged the local Best Teen Chef competition at the International Culinary School at the Art Institutes of Indianapolis. Eleven high school seniors from Indiana and Michigan cooked two dishes -- shrimp cocktail and a chicken entree with rice. Points were awarded on presentation, technique, and taste. First place was Erika Morehead-Belvin from Brownsburg High School and second was Teah Elisabeth Parker of Monroe City (at less than a point difference.) (As I understand it, first and second place were less than a point apart.)

Morehead-Belvin heads next to the Best Teen Chef Finals along with the winners of the 31 other state competitions. She'll also won a $2000 scholarship to The International Culinary School. Congratulations Erika -- great work!