Fifth Annual Culinary Cup Celebrates Student Excellence and Caribbean Flavors at Los Angeles Mission College
Today, the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) hosted the Fifth Annual Culinary Cup Challenge at Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC), bringing together students, faculty, and community members for a celebration of culinary excellence and career education.
The lively competition featured chef instructors and culinary students from LACCD’s Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, Los Angeles Mission College, and Los Angeles Harbor College. Student teams competed against their instructors and were judged in three categories: savory, pastry, and tablescape design. This year’s competition drew inspiration from the vibrant flavors and traditions of the Caribbean.
Attendees enjoyed cooking and baking demonstrations, guided tours of LAMC’s Culinary Arts Building, a special lunch prepared by students, and an awards ceremony where the coveted Golden Chef’s Hat Trophy was presented to the top-performing team. This year, Los Angeles Mission College triumphed, securing the Golden Chef’s Hat Trophy with wins in the savory, pastry, and tablescape categories.
“The Culinary Cup is one of our most anticipated events of the year, as it showcases the incredible talent emerging from our world-class culinary programs,” said Dr. Alberto J. Roman, Chancellor of LACCD. “We take great pride in offering robust culinary pathways at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, Los Angeles Mission College, and Los Angeles Harbor College—where students receive exceptional training in culinary arts, kitchen leadership, and restaurant operations, equipping them for success in a wide range of culinary careers.”
District leadership was present in support of the event, including Dr. Alberto J. Roman, Chancellor of LACCD, along with LACCD Board of Trustees members Kelsey Iino, Andra Hoffman, Steven F. Veres, and Nichelle Henderson.
“The Culinary Cup celebrates not only the talent and passion of our students, but also the strength of our career education programs,” said Dr. Kelsey lino, President of the LACCD Board of Trustees. “Watching students compete across campuses and collaborate at such a high level reminds us of the transformative power of hands-on learning.”
“At LAMC, we are incredibly proud of our Culinary Arts program, which provides students with real world skills and industry knowledge in a truly immersive environment,” said Dr. Armida Ornelas, President of Los Angeles Mission College. “We were honored to host this year’s Cup and to see our students shine as they brought the rich flavors of the Caribbean to life.”
This year’s Culinary Cup was made possible in part by the generous support of our Platinum Sponsors: ELEMENT, Kroger Foods, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. Their commitment to education and workforce development helps ensure students across LACCD’s culinary programs have the resources, industry connections, and opportunities they need to succeed.
The Fifth Annual Culinary Cup was a dynamic showcase of culinary creativity, innovation, and teamwork, as students and instructors from across LACCD came together to inspire and celebrate the future of the culinary arts.
