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Culinary Alum Wins People’s Choice at Houston Truffle Masters Event

On January 29, twenty-two of Houston’s top culinary professionals gathered at The Astorian to compete in The 2018 Truffle Masters competition—including Chef Ryan Lachaine who earned his AAS in Culinary Arts degree from The Art Institute of Houston in 2009.

For the fourth edition of this annual truffle extravaganza, the chefs were each given one pound of highly prized fresh black truffles, with which they were challenged to create 420 portions of a dish featuring a strong truffle flavor. Each dish was then critiqued by a panel of nine food experts, with scoring based most heavily on taste and the use of the truffle. Points were also awarded for presentation and creativity. In addition to the judges, the 500 event attendees also received bite size samples of the chefs’ dishes and were able to cast votes for their favorite truffle treat.

After the votes were tallied, alum Ryan Lachaine was announced as the People’s Choice winner for his potato leek and truffle pierogi with crème fraiche and chives. Since earning his culinary arts degree at Ai Houston, Lachaine has been nationally recognized for his culinary skills and is today the executive chef and co-owner of Riel in Houston.

Proceeds from the events’ ticket sales as well as the raffle and auction benefited Casa de Esperanza, an organization committed to ending domestic violence through activities such as helping individuals and families find safe homes and creating safe spaces for youth to discuss healthy relationships. The Truffle Masters event sponsors included The Art Institute of Houston.

Looking to Study at a Culinary Arts School?
Whether you’d like to become a chef in the local restaurant scene, start your own food truck or catering company, or pursue a role as a private household cook, The Art Institute of Houston can help you prepare for a wide variety of culinary arts careers. Starting with fundamentals like kitchen tools and culinary techniques, our Culinary Arts degree programs explore more than 20 of the most popular international flavors and techniques. Our Culinary Arts degree programs are also led by experienced faculty* who will both challenge and support you as you work toward earning your culinary arts degree. Explore our Culinary Arts programs today!

*Credentials and experience levels vary by faculty and instructors.