MOUNT VERNON — Gastronomic delights suffused the Knox County Career Center on Thursday as students in culinary arts programs from six schools competed in the 18th Annual Ohio Culinary Arts Invitational Tournament, which, for the first time ever, was hosted by KCCC. Another first — Normandy High School of Parma won the first-place team trophy.
A Taste of Ohio was the theme for the competition, and all of the ingredients were from Ohio farms, gardens and orchards.
Teams of five members each had a maximum of two hours to plan, prepare and serve the meal and clean and sanitize all equipment, supplies, dishes and areas used. The contestants had to use any recipes that were provided, but could choose the style of service and table setting they preferred. In addition to cooking ability, the budding chefs were rated on things such as work organization, general food knowledge, teamwork and sanitation techniques.
