Avondale Hosts First-Ever "Chopped" Cookoff

After winter break, students were invited to submit team entries along with an original recipe for the competition. Four teams were selected, each preparing dishes inspired by different cultures from around the world—including Japanese, Russian, and Indian cuisine. During the event, teams had two hours to prepare their dishes. In true Chopped fashion, students also had to incorporate a mystery ingredient into their recipes—jicama—adding an extra layer of creativity and challenge to the competition.

A panel of district leaders served as judges for the evening, including Superintendent Dr. James Schwarz, Assistant Superintendent of Finance Steven Siedlarz, and Avondale High School Principal Doug Wilson. Judges sampled each dish and evaluated them on creativity, presentation, and taste. At the end of the night, Team Brook’s Cooks earned the top spot with their flavorful butter chicken, impressing the judges and taking home the title of the first Avondale Chopped Cookoff champions, along with some awesome prizes including air fryers for each team member.

The event was made possible thanks to the support of Chartwells and Avondale’s outstanding Food & Nutrition Services team. Special thanks go to Director Susan Meek and Assistant Kyle Cooper, who also served as the event’s enthusiastic host!

The inaugural cookoff was a great success, bringing students together for a night of creativity, culture, and culinary fun. Congratulations Brook's Cooks and well done to all of our student-chefs!

Watch the video: