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Atlanta’s Tien Tran to Compete in ACF Student Chef of the Year Contest

Tien Tran, who in 2018 earned a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts Management at The Art Institute of Atlanta, will compete on July 17, 2018 in the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Student Chef of the Year competition. Tien is representing the ACF southwest region and has been working closely with Chef James W. Paul, culinary director, The Art Institute of Atlanta, as he prepares for the competition.

Tien says that his culinary education showed him a world of opportunities. In school, he refined his techniques and stepped outside is comfort zone, preparing him for future opportunities like this competition.

He’s using the time management skills he gained in school to push himself to succeed as a competitor. He is currently balancing a full-time work schedule with his preparation for the contest. Tien spends over 30 hours a week researching and testing his recipes. “It is an intense feeling, but to be honest, I love every minute of it,” he says.

Chef Paul adds that he’s proud of Tien’s passion and work ethic. “Not a lot of people understand that competitors endure this to test themselves against a standard—against tradition—to see how they measure. Regardless of how you actually place in any given contest, you are aware that just be competing, you can count yourself among the best.

The ACF Student Chef of the Year competition takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana and the winner will be announced on July 19.