Emmy-nominated Top Chef host and Escoffier Chef-in-Residence Kristen Kish highlights emerging culinary talent during Austin campus appearance
AUSTIN, Texas, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Culinary skill, creativity and teamwork took center stage at the 12th annual Young Escoffier High School Culinary Scholarship Competition at Escoffier’s Austin campus, where Chef-in-Residence Kristen Kish was on-site to support student competitors.
37 student teams from 23 high schools across Texas competed in the 60-minute culinary challenge, preparing dishes using a mystery basket of ingredients that tested both classical technique and creative execution. The event welcomed more than 250 attendees, including educators, family members and culinary professionals.
Teams worked against the clock in a high-energy mystery basket challenge, using a surprise selection of ingredients to create and plate one cohesive dish. Students were evaluated on sanitation, safety, teamwork, timing, knife skills, technique, creativity and presentation, reflecting the pace and expectations of a professional kitchen.
Escoffier’s Chef-in-Residence Kristen Kish was onsite throughout the event, engaging with student competitors, collaborating with chef instructors and Escoffier students, and supporting participants as part of her ongoing work to help develop and inspire the next generation of culinary professionals.
“The Young Escoffier competition reflects what we believe in at our core, giving students real opportunities to explore, develop and pursue their passion for the culinary arts,” said Marcus McMellon, president of Escoffier’s Austin campus. “Having Kristen here, someone who has built an extraordinary career through both discipline and creativity, adds another level of inspiration for these students. Watching the teams step into a professional kitchen environment with that same focus and determination is incredibly powerful. Events like this help spark that passion and show students what’s possible, while reinforcing our commitment to developing the next generation of culinary professionals.”
Professional chef instructors judged teams based on criteria including organization, sanitation, technique and preparation, and scored final plates on flavor, creativity, execution and overall presentation.
Scholarships were awarded to participants, totaling approximately $32,000 toward culinary scholarships:
1st Place – GISD Culinary, Georgetown, Texas: $3,000 per student
2nd Place – LaGrone Academy, Denton, Texas: $2,000 per student
3rd Place – Brazoswood High School, Clute, Texas: $1,500 per student
The Young Escoffier competition gives high school students a firsthand look at the pace, discipline and collaboration of a professional kitchen while supporting their future culinary education and career exploration. For more information about Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and the Young Escoffier competition, visit escoffier.edu.
