Utah Valley University Culinary Arts Institute (CAI) entered four students two pastry and two culinary into this prestigious American Culinary Federation (ACF) competition. ACF advances the top four scores in each category to the national event in New Orleans this July.
There were 22 total culinary student competitors aiming for nationals. Student chefs Andrea Sanchez and Christopher Jimenez both excelled. Jimenez finished ninth and Sanchez fourth, respectively. Sanchez qualified to move on to the nationals.
Additionally, there were eight student pastry chef competitors. UVU student pastry chefs Shawnti Diaz and Kambree Thomas took two of the four spots, Thomas taking first place and Diaz taking 2nd!
Chefs and coaches Todd Leonard, Diana Fallis, and Peter Sproul led the charge for the UVU CAI team. The preparations for nationals have begun as UVU shoots for more incredible culinary accolades this summer.