Rochester, NY
By Eric Anderson
4.11.13
Wegmans has announced that the East High School Iron Chef Competition will bring together the culinary skills and hospitality management knowledge of six high school students to compete for a $500 scholarship to the school of their choice and to raise money for East High’s Culinary Program. The event will be held at Wegmans Conference Center.
Proceeds from the sale of tickets will go to the East High Culinary Program.
"This event has become part of the East High tradition where students now compete for the Iron Chef title," says Program Administrator Alecia McLaughlin, "as well as scholarships, awards, and internships. We have watched this unique experience grow from the school cafeteria to the Wegmans Conference Center."
Each of the six East High culinary teams, made up of one student with two ‘celebrity’ sous chefs, will prepare a main-course entree in just one hour, all working from the same recipe, according to a release.
The teams will be judged on various elements, including teamwork, personal appearance, food safety, knife skills, flavor, and presentation.
“My involvement in last year’s competition and with the cooking class at school has been personally rewarding,” says John Emerson, Wegmans’ director of Asian cuisine. “It’s a privilege to watch the students learn, grow, and develop in this incredible program at East High and to see how the food industry can play a supporting role.”
In addition to the six competing culinary students, 20 East High students from the Academies of Hospitality and Tourism, Finance, and Information Technology will be participating in the event to gain valuable experience in their field of study. They will assist with such things as ticket sales at the door, event set-up and break-down, and audio visual needs.
“Our sincerest thanks go to the Rochester City School District staff, students, families, alumni, and the sponsors who make this event possible,” added McLaughlin.
