On Saturday, September 20, 2008, more than 300 young people ages 10-15 will again come together to share their common interest in cooking at the 2nd Annual Jr. Chef Kids Culinary Convention.  The only event of its kind in the nation, the Kids Culinary Convention offers workshops and presentations covering a variety of culinary topics presented in a kid-focused environment.  These sessions are designed to:

•Help kids make smart food choices
•Teach them independence and self-sufficiency
•Build their confidence
•Advance their culinary knowledge






In addition to sessions on Nutrition, Seasonal Eating, Recipe Preparation, Knife Skills, Dining Etiquette and Food Presentation, participants will take part in ‘hand’s on’ cooking sessions taught by top chefs and professional culinary instructors from Sacramento and throughout California.


 
Once again, teams of trained Jr. Chef’s will compete in our Iron Chef style Culinary Competition!  Our judges this year include:

Supper Club; Celebrations; Del Monte Meat Company; Delta Restaurant Supply; Freeport Bakery; G&K Linen Services; Mahoney's Seafood; Markstein Beverage; Pacific Gourmet; Produce Express; Real Cheese California ; Scott-Naake

Supporters: California Dairy Commission; California Fig Association;
California Foundation Agriculture in the Classroom; Starbucks


Teaching kids to make healthier lifestyle choices for themselves and, by extension, their families; while focusing on the common denominator of food to bridge cultural, social and economic divides among young people.
Jr. Chef Central © 2008 Ksoto Inc.  All rights reserved.
'08 Kids Culinary Convention
Saturday, September 20
9-3pm
Sacramento, California
Cost is only $65 per child (prior to August 30), and includes cooking session & accompanying classes; goodie stuffed backpack, lunch and a great time! There are 5 cooking sessions to choose from, all featuring making recipes from scratch: Pasta, Pizza, Grilling, Sushi & Baking.
NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY TO ATTEND!
'08 Kids Culinary Convention
Sponsors include
Raley's Family of Fine Foods


New this year! Complimentary mini-sessions for parents providing an overview of the information presented in the classes their children attend.  Whether demonstrating the knife safety techniques their children have learned and practiced, or discussing the positive health benefits of the seasonally based recipes the kids have prepared, we’ll arm parents with tools to  support their child’s nutritional and culinary goals at home.  
Class Info 
Parent Info Sessions
Kids Culinary Competition
Scholarship Angels
Volunteers
No event of this magnitude can be successful without the assistance of dedicated volunteers and ours is no exception. Take a look at our volunteer guidelines and join us for a wonderful day!There are a variety of roles to fill no matter your area of expertise or interest. 
In support of our mission to focus on the common denominator of food to bridge cultural, social and economic divides among young people, we seek the assistance of individuals and business who wish to help a financially disadvantaged child attend our program and events. 

We currently have a list of approximately 35 children who are eligible and waiting for a scholarship and we expect that list to grow longer. Each $65 contribution provides the means for one of them to attend our Kids Culinary Convention, an event that can make a profound difference in their life.  It's also tax deductible!  Please send us an e-mail for details on this process: info@jrchefcentral.com.  
Jill Novatt
Executive Culinary Producer
Food Network
Elaine Johnson
Associate Food Editor
Sunset Magazine
And we welcome back
Tina Macuha, CBS Channel 13
our afternoon MC!
Cooking Classes
Baking Fall Fruit Tarts w/Caramel Sauce

Grilling Seasonal Vegetables
Grilled Chicken w/Asian Orange Glaze & Chipotle Barbeque Sauce

Sushi Maki & Uramaki Rolls,Vegetable Tempura

Pasta Fresh Linguini w/Primavera

Pizza Classic Margherita


Meet our Chef Mentors &  Jr. Chef competitors!

Pizza Team
Chef Adam Pechal Tuli Bistro
Baking Team
Chef Carissa Jones Sugar and Spice
Grilling Team
Chef Patrick Mulvaney Mulvaney's B&L
Pasta Team
Chef Ryan O'Malley
Hawks Restaurant
Sushi Team
Chef Taro
Mikuni Sushi
Jr. Chef's
Abbott,
Corey,
Emily
Alyssa, MJC
Austin, MJC
Jr. Chef's Josh, Miyel, Michael
Jr. Chef's Morgan, Britney & Kai
Jr. Chef's Delaney, Austin & Michael
Ben, MJC
Alex, MJC
Jr. Chef's Justin, Emily & Danae
Led by their Chef Mentor, each team will create and present three distinctly different dishes in their respective category. Every dish must feature the seasonal California grown mystery ingredient to be unveiled  at the Convention.
Andrew, MJC
B. Lacey Photo
B. Lacey Photo
B. Lacey Photo
B. Lacey Photo
B. Lacey Photo