#New York #US #Colavita #Culinary Challenge #Food Education Fund

Rising Culinary Talents at the Colavita Culinary Challenge

The Food Education Fund is back, and this time, it's more exciting than ever! For the seventh consecutive year, the organization has partnered with Colavita to host the FEF Colavita Culinary Challenge. This annual high school cooking competition aims to empower the next generation of culinary experts by offering them an exceptional platform to display their skills.

A New Generation of Chefs

This year's competition features a diverse group of aspiring chefs from notable institutions such as Food and Finance High School, the High School of Hospitality Management, and the Brooklyn STEAM Center. These schools have taken significant strides towards diversifying the food and hospitality fields. Each finalist team has experienced personalized mentorship from industry professionals, allowing them to refine their cooking skills and create unique recipes using premium Colavita products.

Esteemed Judges and Exciting Prizes

The panel of judges this year includes prominent culinary figures: Marc Murphy, Amanda Freitag, and Tessa Sinatro, who are sure to add a wealth of industry experience and insight into the competition. The event promises to be both exciting and educational for everyone involved.

The finale is set to take place on April 16, 2025, at the Institute of Culinary Education in Battery Park. Attendees can expect to witness young chefs in action as they present their culinary masterpieces from 1 PM to 6 PM. The dishes will be evaluated based on various criteria including taste, creativity, presentation, timing, and sanitation.

The stakes are high, with winners receiving an all-expenses-paid culinary tour of Italy, courtesy of Colavita, as well as a $2,500 scholarship each, managed by the Food Education Fund.

Mentorship from Industry Leaders

Renowned chefs such as Aaron Diener of The Landmark, Anthony Ricco of The William Vale, and Kelley Pittman of Leon's have stepped up to mentor the competitors, providing invaluable support and guidance. Giovanni Colavita, CEO of Colavita, expresses heartfelt commitment to nurturing emerging culinary talent, stating, "The Colavita Challenge is more than just a competition—it's an opportunity to empower the next generation. We're proud to support these young chefs as they set out into the food world."

About the Food Education Fund

Founded out of the need to support underserved culinary-focused public high school students, the Food Education Fund is a nonprofit organization based in New York City. The fund provides experiential learning opportunities and internships in the culinary and hospitality industries, aiming to empower students from all backgrounds to pursue sustainable careers in the culinary arts.

About Colavita

Established in 1979, Colavita USA is a family-owned company that imports and distributes premium Italian food products. Known for its authentic olive oils, pasta, vinegars, and sauces, Colavita has become a staple among chefs and home cooks alike. Their commitment to quality and tradition is reflected in their wide range of specialty products that are celebrated worldwide.

This year's Colavita Culinary Challenge stands as a testament to the incredible talent and dedication present in the current generation of chefs, and it promises to inspire others in the culinary field.