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Student chefs battle it out in cooking competition

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Some of the state's top young chefs battled it out today to see whose cuisine reigned supreme.

Three finalists from Kapiolani Community College's culinary program whipped up a menu which consisted of an appetizer, salad, and an entree, with the winner receiving an opportunity to assist chef Roy Yamaguchi at a cooking event on the mainland.
    
Event organizers say all three have competition experience and have worked hard on their dishes.

"They've been practicing really, really hard and the meals are going to be just fantastic," said KCC associate professor Alan Tsuchiyama. "Their focus is on using local products so they been incorporating many, many local products into the dishes but also a little bit with their own flair, their style of cooking.

"These kids are great chefs," Yamaguchi said. "They're in the process of becoming a great chef, but they have the passion, they have the drive, they have the talent. I'm encouraging the students to actually go out and explore the world and gain experience traveling and working in different restaurants throughout the United States or whatever country they want to visit."
 
Earning first place honors this year was Erik Kuo who took home $1,000.
    
Second place went to Tate Nakano-Edwards who earned $500.

Third place went to Rena Suzuki who received $250.