Bend ProStart® Student Named The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Portland's Best Teen Chef 2010

April 2010 - Beating out four competitors, Genaro Vargas has been named The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Portland's Best Teen Chef 2010.

In April, high school seniors from across the U.S. and Canada competed in Best Teen Chef Local Cook-off Competitions at participating International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes locations throughout North America Including, The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Portland.

Judged by culinary luminaries', Scott Givot, President of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, Diane Morgan, notorious cookbook author, Cory Schreiber, Culinary Artist-in-Residence, and faculty members, Chef Dave McIntyre and Chef Eric Wynkoop, The Art Institute of Portland's Best Teen Chef Cook-off was an outstanding competition.

"It was an amazing, fabulous experience working under pressure and feeling the heat of the kitchen. I cannot find the right words to express how excited and happy I am. Thank you to all the Judges and The Art Institute of Portland for the great opportunity to compete in the local Best Teen Chef cook-off, and I am proud to represent Oregon at nationals and bring The Art Institute of Portland to the top three winners," says Genaro Vargas, The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Portland's Best Teen Chef first place winner.

Genaro Vargas hails from Bend, Oregon and is a Pro-Start student at Bend Senior High School. He has been cooking since his freshman year and dreams to own his own catering business and teach culinary arts one day. Genaro, along with the 35 winners from the Local Cook-off Competition at participating Art Institutes schools will progress to Best Teen Chef Final Round Competition on Saturday, May 15, at The Art Institute of Houston.

The top prize winner in the Competition can earn a full-tuition scholarship toward a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree, certificate program or diploma program to study Culinary Arts at one of the more than 30 participating Art Institutes locations.

The Art Institutes created the Best Teen Chef competition in 2000 to encourage and recognize young culinary talent. According to Chef Ken Rubin, Culinary Director, "The Best Teen Chef competition sets the stage for aspiring culinary professionals to show their passion and commitment for the culinary industry. I want to thank all of the contestants for their outstanding ability to work under pressure and produce deliciously crafted food. We stand ready to provide an outstanding educational experience that will serve them as their career flourishes."

For more information on the Best Teen Chef Competition, visit the Art Institute or contact The Art Institute of Portland at 503.228.6528.

The Art Institute of Portland is one of The Art Institutes, a system of more than 45 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary professionals.