Local Culinary Talent Shines: College of the Ozarks Student Triumphs in National Chef Competition

Sophia Durando, a sophomore at College of the Ozarks majoring in culinary arts and hospitality management, won the title at the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Emerging Chef Cooking Competition. The event took place at The Keeter Center in Point Lookout, Missouri. It featured a format where five young chefs, including Durando and her classmate Garrick West, cooked with unknown ingredients revealed at the start.

The chefs had 25 minutes to cook and an additional five minutes to plate their dishes. Despite the challenging conditions, all participants, including three sous chefs from local restaurants, completed their dishes on time.

Durando prepared a Thai curry-seared pork belly on a bed of turmeric and butter-infused sweet potato and yellow onion. She added a slaw of Brussels sprouts and red pepper, topped with a Thai peanut-coconut sauce and garnished with fried rice paper. Her dish impressed the judges with its flavor combination and presentation.

After the competition, Durando shared her excitement and satisfaction. She appreciated how the competition allowed her to use the skills she developed in her culinary program. Chef Daniel Pliska, the lead judge, praised her performance and predicted a successful future for her in culinary arts.

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