Order Up! Poly High Plates Success in 2nd Annual Los Angeles Unified Celebrity Chef Showdown
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Unified's 2nd Annual Celebrity Chef Showdown delivered a full day of culinary excellence at Los Angeles Mission College on Wednesday, as students from five high schools competed for top honors before a panel of distinguished judges. When the plates were cleared, Polytechnic High School — mentored by acclaimed chef and Fox's Next Level Chef star Nyesha Joyce Arrington — took first place.
Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies (SOCES), mentored by Chef Jesse Sanchez of Los Angeles Mission College, earned second place, followed by Santee High School in third, mentored by Chef Michael Reed of Poppy & Seed. Dorsey High School, working with Top Chef Season 14 Winner Brooke Williamson, placed fourth, and Banning High School, mentored by Chef Bret Thompson of Pez Cantina, rounded out the competition in fifth.
"Today, our students really turned up the heat — and cooked," Los Angeles Unified Food Services Director Manish Singh said. "From Poly High’s Three Star butter chicken to every simmering dish on display, this competition is a recipe for success. Our culinary students are not just reading a recipe — they are preparing full-course careers, and when you pair award-winning mentorship with Los Angeles Unified students, the results are delicious."
2nd Annual Celebrity Chef Showdown — Student Menus
Banning High School
- Chili Rubbed Chicken with Gochujang Citrus Adobo Glaze
- Tropical Fruit Bowl
Dorsey High School
- Chicken Parmesan Cannelloni
- Farm Fresh Mango Slices with Citrus Greek Yogurt Dip
Polytechnic High School
- Butter Chicken, Naan Bread & Kachumber Salad
- Mango Lassi
Santee High School
- Garden Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
- Chicken Enchilada Pie with Verde Sauce, Cilantro, California Avocados, Sour Cream & Pickled Red Onions
- Local Melon Bowl
Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies
- The Turkey Turn-Up Chili with Honey Kissed Cornbread Bites
- Oat-My-Goodness Apple Crisp
The Celebrity Chef Showdown is part of Los Angeles Unified's Career Technical Education program, connecting students with industry professionals and providing real-world experience in the culinary arts and hospitality industry. Participating students have spent the school year under the mentorship of their respective chef partners, culminating in today's live competition.
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