Syosset Student-Chefs Cook For A Good Cause

Syosset High School students with an interest in the culinary arts had the chance to show their skills during the school’s Compete to Eat competition, where four student-led “restaurants” each served a small appetizer and entr̩e to community members to see who could form the best eatery. A panel of celebrity chefs adjudicated the event.

The four restaurants were critiqued based on decor, service, taste, presentation and efficiency, with “Molto Buono” ultimately taking the top honors. Each patron diner donated $10, with all of the proceeds going to the Mary Brennan INN food pantry and clothing boutique.

Special thanks to the celebrity judges who lent their expertise to making Compete to Eat a fun and informative evening for the young Syosset restaurateurs. They are Barret Beyer (“Hell’s Kitchen” Season XI), Floyd Cardoz (“Top Chef Master” Season III), Vincenzo DeGuglielmi (Star Academy Culinary Arts School), Mick Gehnric (Culinary Academy of Long Island), Christopher Lee (James Beard Award, “Top Chef”) and Leonard Messina (Culinary Academy of Long Island).

Syosset High School teacher Dave Anderson coordinated the event through the Peers Reaching Out program, with several teachers volunteering their time to the event. More than $1,000 was raised.

Photo Caption A: The student-led restaurant “Molto Buono” won top honors at Syosset High School’s Compete to Eat competition, which raised over $1,000 for the Mary Brennan INN. Students are congratulated by celebrity chef judges Vincenzo DeGuglielmi (left) and Leonard Messina.
Photo Caption B: Syosset High School students representing La Casabella restaurant are advised by celebrity chefs during the school’s Compete to Eat competition.

Photos courtesy of the Syosset CSD