Imagine not yet 26 years old and presented with a black box of ingredients to craft a three-course meal under time pressure scrutinised at every step by expert judges. Five young chefs had precisely that challenge participating in the Pacific Northwest Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition held at Renton Technical College’s (RTC) Culinary Arts kitchen.

The five were:
- Austin Ford, Maynards in Silverdale
- Delaney Marshall, Lavish Roots Catering in Seattle
- Lauren Kramer, Hyatt Hotel in Renton
- Edgiemeh “Edgie” Cruz, Seattle Culinary Academy student
- Sydney Heitzlinger, Farm 12 in Puyallup.

A successful chef’s kitchen must be precisely run hence deep concentration and focus. Three kitchen judges looked at all aspects of kitchen skills. In a separate room three more judges blind tasted each dish. Scores tallied the winner could be announced.

Whilst waiting for this process to finish attendees were treated to lunch prepared by chefs and students of RTC’s Culinary Arts Program.

At last! The moment arrived. The impressive winner was 18-year old Sydney Heitzlinger. Her hard work and dedication will serve her well as she trains with her coach, previous national champion Varin Keokitvon, prior to competing in June in Atlanta and maybe internationally in 2023.

Bailli Délégué Bertrand de Boutray concluded the event with words of appreciation for RTC, Bailli Provincial Robert Cuigini and Chargée de Presse des États-Unis Betty Sasenick all of whom were very involved in organising the event.

Robert Cuigini presented $5,000 from the Chaîne to the RTC’s scholarship fund, plus $2,500 from him personally for their Culinary Arts programmes.

We wish Sydney the best of luck and look forward to following what promises to be an exciting career for her.

Based on a detailed report by Lauren Milkie, Vice-Chargée des Medias Sociaux, Bailliage of Seattle

Photographer: Katie Gibian (Katie Photography)