(Atlantic City, NJ—May 12, 2017) For the first time since its inception, the High Tech Culinary Academy participated in the 7th Annual New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC) County Vocational-Technical School Cook-Off Challenge at Caesar’s Palace, taking home the Silver and Bronze Medals, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.
“We wanted to showcase our students’ Caribbean roots to introduce people outside of Hudson County to delicious flavors and the work that goes into their food,” says Chef Dyanna Bruno. “All our students worked together flawlessly. We’re so proud of the product they put forth.”
For the County Vocational-Technical School Cook-Off Challenge, eleven schools from across the Garden State, with a $500 budget, plated and served 400 hors d’oeuvres. Professional executive chefs judged schools based on Taste, Theme, and Presentation, as well as a People’s Choice category. The High Tech Culinary Academy prepared a take on ropa veja, transforming the traditional slow-braised, tender Cuban beef dish into a bite-sized spring rolls.
“We couldn’t be more proud of our kids’ efforts and how professional they proved themselves [at the Cook-Off],” adds Chef Peter Turro.
Led by Culinary Academy instructors Bruno, Turro, and also Chef Jennifer Fargo, the High Tech students took home the Silver Medal in the Presentation Category and the Bronze Medals in the Taste and People’s Choice categories for taste and flavor.
The following Culinary Academy students took part in the County Vocational-Technical School Cook-Off Challenge: North Bergen residents Aysha Burgos, Gabriella Davila, Jeffrey Zarzuela, and Olivia Zulueta, as well as Taylor Avila and Jacqueline Perez, both of Union City.
Kudos to instructor Zach Bolich and his woodshop students, who constructed a professional-looking set, and instructors Bill Kennon and Eric Van Zanten and their fine art students, who created an exquisite painting to represent the theme of “Caribbean meets Hudson County.”
