Culinary Competition Draws COD Students

PALM DESERT — More than 85 College of the Desert students will exhibit their culinary handiwork during a “Grand Salon” culinary competition, taking place March 13-15 on the College’s Palm Desert campus, according to Marion Champion,  public information officer  for the college.

Students will compete in one of three categories: hors d’ oeuvres, appetizers and entrees; artistic showpieces and sculptures; and celebration cakes and desserts.

“The salon will showcase the artistic and creative skills of our students,” Culinary Art Instructor Jeffery Azer said in a prepared statement. “Judged solely on their food presentation skills, participants will be graded on their craftsmanship and attention to detail. One carrot or pea out of place can make the difference in a winning dish.”

The culinary competition judging will be done by local, experienced chefs including Freddy Rieger (Executive Chef, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino), Herve Glin (Executive Chef, Parker Palm Springs) and Scott Roberson (Chef/Owner, New Leaf Catering) among others.

Culinary demonstrations, such as ice block carving will also be on display. Open and free to the public, the exhibit* runs March 13 through March 15.

Wednesday, March 13 | 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. (official judging at 5 p.m.)

Thursday, March 14 | 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Friday, March 15 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 

College of the Desert – Art Building

Guests may park in Lot 28.

College of the Desert’s Culinary Arts program provides training for careers in the food and lodging industries, one of the fastest-growing sectors in today’s job market. The program emphasizes management and computer skills required for hotel and restaurant management, as well as solid training in introductory, intermediate and advanced level cooking and baking; safety and sanitation; food procurement; and menu planning. The program currently serves more than 470 students each year.

*All food exhibits are non-edible and for display purposes only.

About College of the Desert:

Established in 1958, College of the Desert, located in Palm Desert, is an accredited community college serving eastern Riverside County, California. The College leads the region in providing quality, higher education, technical training and lifelong learning opportunities, in response to the dynamic needs of our diverse community. The College serves more than 18,000 credit students and 1,000 non-credit students each year and is the number one source of transfer students to California State University, San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus. For more information, click here.