Cerritos College culinary students compete for cash prizes in industry-judged showcase
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 7, 2026
Media Contact: Aya Aoki; Public Relations and Communications
NORWALK, Calif. – January 7, 2026 –Cerritos College culinary arts students proved they are career-ready as they competed
in the eighth annual Marukan Cup of Culinary Excellence, an industry-judged competition
that challenges students to perform at professional standards using real-world ingredients.
In partnership with Marukan Vinegar (USA) Inc., the competition brought together 16 top culinary students who prepared original entrées inspired by global cuisines. More than 200 spectators and industry judges evaluated each dish using the same criteria students will face in professional kitchens—technique, creativity, and product knowledge.
“This competition is not about recipes. It’s about readiness,” said Jesusita Lopez, assistant professor and chair of culinary arts. “Our students are working with industry partners, meeting professional expectations, and proving they can succeed in high-pressure environments. That’s how careers are built.”
2026 Marukan Cup of Culinary Excellence Winners
First Place: Rodolfo “RJ” Garcia
Prize: $1,000
Theme: Thai
Dish: Nobu-style baked fish
Second Place: Yareli Yepez Maximi
Prize: $500
Theme: Ecuador
Dish: Seco de Carne, a traditional braised beef stew
Third Place: Katherine Calderon
Prize: $250
Theme: Costa Rica
Dish: Filet mignon with sautéed cabbage, salsa Lizano, corn purée, potato rosettes,
and microgreens
The Marukan Cup reflects Cerritos College’s commitment to hands-on, employer-connected education. Students gain experience working with industry-grade products, receiving direct feedback from professionals, and competing in settings that simulate current culinary workplace standards.
The Cerritos College Culinary Arts Program prepares students for careers across the food service and hospitality industries through certificates and associate degrees in professional cooking, baking and pastry, culinary arts management, and hospitality management. Students can also pursue Associate Degrees for Transfer, creating a seamless pathway to bachelor’s degrees at Cal State Long Beach or Cal Poly Pomona.
About Cerritos College: Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers nearly 300 degrees and certificates in nine divisions. Annually, more than 5,000 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages 21,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.
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