Categories: Chicago

Culinary Competition Team of JJC finishes second at Nationals

The Joliet Junior College Culinary Competition Team remained second in the nation at the National Conference of the American Culinary Federation. The competition was held in Orlando, Florida at August. The team worked hard to earn a distinguished position at the state, regional, and national level. The team stood first at the state and regional level while it stood second at the Nationals.

The students of the JJC who participated in the competition at the nationals include Lloyd Right, Jacob Merz, Liam O’Brien, Alexis Ramos, and Zachary Zwei. Chef Paul Bringas, the coach of the Competition Team, said, “I am pleased at how the team performed.” He said that they had a productive season and it was due to the hard work of the students. The students practiced twice or thrice a week after the classes and throughout the summer, he added.

One military team and five regional teams including the JJC Culinary Competition Team were competing at the nationals. The scoring criteria were based on the environment of the kitchen, the taste of food, flavor, plating, cooking methods, and cooking techniques. Bringas said that they earned the silver medal at the nationals with a score of 88.11. The margin of scores between the first position and the second position was very close. The margin was twelve one-hundredth of a point.

There was an extreme competition at the nationals, according to Bringas. He said that he was proud of all they accomplished with that team. He admired the efforts of the students and praised their performance. He said, “The students were very dedicated and worked extremely hard.”

Tim Bucci, a Certified Master Chef, was also the coach of the team. Bringas thanked him for his coaching services for the team. Chef Mike McGreal, the chairman of the Culinary Arts Department, supported the team throughout the competition. Bringas said, “We were so fortunate to have had Chef Mike McGreal supporting us”. McGreal said, “I am so proud of the hard work and commitment of each of the students on this year’s team.”

Jackson Sorbo

Managing editor of the Chicago Morning Star

Recent Posts

Storm Await Diggins’ Return as Road Trip Begins

The Seattle Storm are bracing for the possible return of Skylar Diggins as they begin a three-game road trip Thursday…

14 hours ago

USOPC Aligns With Executive Order on Women’s Sports

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) announced a policy update on July 21, confirming that women’s teams at the…

16 hours ago

Kraft Heinz Mulls $20B Split to Revive Growth

Kraft Heinz is considering a sweeping corporate restructuring that could unwind its landmark 2015 merger, as the packaged food giant…

17 hours ago

Illinois State Fair Offers Extended Hours, Deals for 2025

SPRINGFIELD, IL — The 2025 Illinois State Fair is making it easier and more affordable for families to enjoy this…

18 hours ago

Lynx Surge Past Sky 91–68 Behind Collier’s Dominance

Lynx Overwhelm Sky 91–68 as Collier, McBride Lead the Charge The Minnesota Lynx used a dominant second and third quarter…

2 days ago

Microsoft Bars China-Based Engineers from U.S. Military Aid

Microsoft Ends China-Based Engineering Support for U.S. Military Projects Microsoft has announced that engineers based in China will no longer…

2 days ago