Star Chefs of Tomorrow Set Their Sights on the Best Teen Chef Final Round Competition

SAN DIEGO, CA March 18, 2009 – This weekend, hundreds of high school seniors turned budding chefs took the first step toward launching what could be the beginning of their professional culinary careers.

On Saturday, March 14, high school seniors from across the U.S. and Canada competed in Best Teen Chef Local Cook-off Competitions at participating International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes locations throughout North America including, The Art Institute of California – San Diego. 

The winner of The Art Institute of California – San Diego’s Best Teen Chef Local Cook-off Competition is Zack Wessely, a senior at Julian High School from Julian, California. 

Says Wessely, "Just being chosen to compete was thrilling, but being announced the winner was a sensational feeling. I love the culinary arts because you are able to express your feelings through food!"

The 34 Local Cook-off Competition winners will proceed to the Best Teen Chef Final Round Competition on Saturday, May 9, at The Art Institute of Charlotte.

The top prize winner in the Competition can earn a full-tuition scholarship toward a bachelor’s degree, an associate's degree, certificate program or diploma program to study Culinary Arts at one of the more than 30 participating Art Institutes locations.

In addition to a full-tuition scholarship and the title of Best Teen Chef 2009, the national first place winner, in partnership with Food Network, will be an "Intern for a Day" at Food Network Kitchens in New York City. The winner will also receive a tour of Food Network's studios, dinner for two at a Food Network chef's restaurant and a library of Food Network Kitchens cookbooks.

The Art Institutes created the Best Teen Chef competition in 2000 to encourage and recognize young culinary talent.  According to Chef Mark Sullivan, Academic Director of Culinary Programs, “The interest in culinary arts among young people has literally soared in recent years.”  Sullivan explains, “This is due to many factors, among them, working parents, the proliferation of cooking shows on television, and the desire to participate in family traditions.”

For more information on the Best Teen Chef Competition, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/pr.aspx?ID=btc095 or contact The Art Institute of California – San Diego 858.598.1303 for additional information.
The Art Institute of California – San Diego is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary professionals.