The Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services recently announced the winners of its 2022 Lunchroom Wars, Florida’s official student chef cook-off.
Out of nearly 300 entries from across the state, three finalists progressed to the finale event, where they cooked live in front of guest judges. Each walked away with prizes. Among the winners was Everett Allard of Wellington’s Polo Park Middle School, who took third place.
Lunchroom Wars returned with an in-person finale this year with student chefs going head-to-head with their competitors in the kitchen at the Epicurean Hotel in Tampa. The students were able to showcase their cooking skills by creating a tasty dish featuring Florida commodities. All three chefs created incredible, locally inspired dishes.
Allard prepared his macadamia-crusted Florida snapper pineapple boat. He incorporated guava and Florida citrus in his dish, as well as fresh herbs and spices.
Other finalists were first-place winner Juliet Karsak of Melbourne and second-place winner Emmersyn Smith of Lakeland. The winners received prizes from presenting sponsor Humana and Humana Healthy Horizons in Florida. They also enjoyed complimentary desserts from Bern’s Steakhouse and a family pizza party from Colony Grill.
“It was such an honor to have these incredible student chefs together in one kitchen. We hope this competition leaves them with excitement and everlasting memories,” said Jeremy Eason, outreach director of the Division of Nutrition, Education and Outreach.
