Three Culinary Arts & Restaurant Management seniors recently competed in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) regional culinary competition at the Tri-C Hospitality Management Center in downtown Cleveland. FCCLA sponsors competitions at the regional, state and national levels for students enrolled in family and consumer sciences programs. The competitions give students the opportunity to showcase their career-technical talents and skills. All three won gold medals and qualified to compete in Columbus on April 22, 2023.
Nick Dasher, a Strongsville High School senior, took a gold medal in the culinary arts event. In this challenge, he had 60 minutes to prepare a two-course meal featuring a spinach salad with warm bacon vinaigrette dressing and an entrée with sauteed chicken breast with kalamata olives and tomatoes, classic rice pilaf and zucchini with fresh basil.
Eva Cyngier, a senior from Brooklyn High School, earned gold in baking & pastry arts. During this event, she had two hours to present a perfectly executed batch of chocolate chip cookies, fresh eclairs with pastry cream and chocolate ganache and, lastly, had to present a decorated cake to the judges featuring a classic buttercream icing with flowers and a greeting on the cake.
Michael Graley, a senior from Berea-Midpark High School, brought home a gold medal in garde manger. In this event, he had 60 minutes to present his interpretation of three cold hors d'oeuvres. His award-winning creation featured tuna poke with chili garlic shallot sauce and shaved watermelon radish, an Asian noodle salad with miso teriyaki vinaigrette and spicy Thai peanuts and petite cucumber cups filled with an edamame hummus.
Congratulations to our competition winners and good luck in Columbus!