CiTi BOCES Students Star at Inaugural Cayuga CC Culinary Battle

The Cayuga Community College Culinary Institute boiled over with excitement Wednesday as high school students cooked their way to prizes and scholarships in Cayuga’s inaugural Culinary Battle.

Two teams of competing students from CiTi BOCES’ Culinary Arts program crafted appetizers, entrees and desserts for three judges, with the top finishers receiving scholarships from the Cayuga County Community College Foundation. The inaugural event also allowed students to experience Cayuga’s state-of-the-art Culinary Institute, which houses its Culinary Arts A.A.S. program.

Cayuga officials applauded students’ culinary skill and creative menu design, saying the competitors were clearly enthusiastic about potential culinary careers.

“The best part about events like our Culinary Battle is not only seeing the students’ talent, but also experiencing their enthusiasm for what they’re studying and the career they’re pursuing,” said Cayuga President Dr. Brian Durant. “Students can put their expertise into action, and at the same time explore how Cayuga can support their career ambitions. Congratulations to all of the students at today’s Culinary Battle, and we wish them the best as they continue their education.”

“The College Foundation is excited to assist the College in showcasing our culinary program to a group of talented students as they show off their skills. We see this as a great opportunity for those looking toward a culinary career to experience our first-class facilities. We’re happy to sponsor scholarships for several of our area’s future culinary creators,” said Foundation Executive Director Guy Cosentino.

The teams built their own menus and worked with their instructors and Cayuga Coordinator of Culinary Operations Chef Patrick Leibacher to prepare each course at the Culinary Institute. Courses ranged from Savory Bouchées and Braised Beef with Parsnip Puree to Chicken Wonton Tacos and Seared Duck Breast with Pomegranate, with judges also enjoying dessert courses of Lemon Tartlets and Hong Kong Milk Tea Tiramisu.

The students were excited for the contest and to explore the Culinary Institute, said CiTi BOCES Culinary Arts Chef Instructor Samuel Passer.

“It’s so important to give students opportunities like this. The culinary industry is extremely competitive, so giving them this chance to network and showcase their efficiency in the kitchen is truly spectacular,” said Passer. “We greatly appreciate Cayuga Community College for the chance to win scholarships that will greatly benefit students, and a special thanks to the Cayuga Culinary Arts program for putting together this incredible event."

The College Foundation provided four Cayuga scholarships to students who earned the highest scores from judges on standards including creativity, passion, skill, determination, growth and promise. Students receiving the scholarships were Brookelynn Caputo (first place), Rowan Allen (second place), and Hayden Granzow and Kyle Williams (tied for third place). All students received additional prizes for competing, with Team AM members Allen, Caputo, Granzow and Kati Porter earning the Best Team Award.

Both teams’ efforts can be found on YouTube, where the contest was livestreamed by staff and faculty in Cayuga’s Media Arts programs. The contest can be found on the College’s YouTube page and the Media@Cayuga page.

Cayuga opened the Culinary Institute and its Culinary Arts A.A.S. program in 2021. The program combines classroom instruction and hands-on experiences, with students studying food preparation, culinary methods, safety and sanitation, and menu and plate design. Students also complete an internship as part of earning their degree.

For more details on Cayuga’s Culinary Arts program, visit www.cayuga-cc.edu/academics/schools/soma/degrees/culinary-arts/. For details on CiTi BOCES’ program, visit https://www.citiboces.org/188606_3.