Culinary competition showcases student skills and fuses tradition and innovation in Latin cuisine

Culinary competition participants and judgesCerritos College and the Mujeres Extraordinarias Foundation hosted the fifth Annual Herencias Culinarias Competition on April 23, honoring the rich cultural traditions and creative talents of Culinary Arts students. The event, held at Cerritos College's state-of-the-art culinary arts facility, brought together students, alumni, industry professionals, and culinary enthusiasts to witness the next generation of chefs as they showcased their skills through innovative reinterpretations of Latin American cuisine.

Each participant combined culinary tradition with contemporary techniques under the competition’s theme of modern Latin cuisine. Students were judged by a distinguished panel of chefs, including Rocío Camacho, known as The Goddess of Moles; traditional Mexican cuisine specialist Sara Arvizu Rico; Michelin-starred restaurateur Vicente Ortiz; and Cerritos College's own Chef Michael Pierini. Cash scholarships totaling over $2,300 were awarded to the winners, generously sponsored by the Mujeres Extraordinarias Foundation.

Jessica, Aaron, Harold, and Darla (l-r)After an exciting morning of cooking, open judging, and private tastings, the competition winners were announced:

  • First Place: Aaron Kim
    Dish: Oaxacan mole verde, potato pavé, and zucchini salad
  • Second Place: Jessica Garcia
    Dish: Yucatan with Mexico City twist – Modern take on cochinita pibil, house-made masa infladita, fine julienne nopales salad, pickled habanero/red onions, and avocado mousse, tempura-battered micro cilantro
  • Third Place (tie): Harold Arevalo-Castro
    Dish: Puebla chiles en nogada – Ground meat and fruit-stuffed poblano battered chile, walnut sauce, and pomegranate
  • Third Place (tie): Darla Becerril
    Dish: Puebla chile rellenos – Braised shredded meat and cheese-stuffed, marinated poblano chile

"This competition is not only about technique; it's about telling the story of heritage, family, and resilience through food,” said Chef Jesusita Lopez, department chair and Director of the Cerritos College Culinary Arts Program. “We are incredibly proud of our students and grateful to the Mujeres Extraordinarias Foundation for their continued support of culinary education and cultural celebration."

The Cerritos College Culinary Arts Program offers pathways to prepare students for careers in the professional food service industry.  Students can earn certificates and associate of science degrees in professional cooking, professional baking & pastry, and culinary arts management. The program also offers two associate of science for transfer degrees in food service management and hospitality management, providing a pathway to complete a bachelor’s degree at CSULB or Cal Poly Pomona. For more information about the program and upcoming events, visit www.cerritos.edu/culinary-arts/.