Cy-Fair student places third in culinary competition

July 2, 2012—Cy-Fair High School senior Kema Bishop won third place in the culinary arts competition of the NAACP Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) on April 20 at the Hyatt Regency Houston.

The results of the competition were announced on May 27 at the Houston NAACP Gala.

During the ACT-SO event, Sodexo Food Service and the Hyatt Regency provided chef mentors as well as ingredients, equipment and space for the competition.

Students met with their chef mentors, who spent time with them perfecting their ideas, techniques and timing prior to the contest. Chef Frank Majowicz of the Hyatt Regency and Chef Darian Hewitt of Sodexo were Bishop’s chef mentors.

Each culinary competitor created a menu from a specific ingredient list and had 2 1/2 hours to complete their menu plans. Bishop developed a healthy, low-sodium and low-fat menu starting with southwest gazpacho. Her entreé included baked chipoltle chicken breast, mixed greens tossed in a honey lime chipotle vinaigrette and a handmade gordita stuffed with goat cheese and roasted poblano peppers.

“We congratulate Kema; Cy-Fair High School is proud of her accomplishment,” said Cy-Fair culinary arts instructor Michele Smith. “Thanks to the Hyatt Regency and Sodexo for helping to make this possible.”