Lapeer West's Alyssa Marino in the news

In case you missed the front page story in The County Press this past Sunday, April 19, 2009, here's a link to the story about Lapeer West senior Alyssa Marino and her coming chance to win a national cooking competition and an appearance on the Food Network.

Last month, Alyssa whipped up a chicken, rice pilaf and broccoli dish so great it won her a first place medal at a local “Best Teen Chef” competition at the Art Institute of Novi.

Marino also won a $3,000 scholarship for her efforts.

Next up is the national competition.

Marino, who is a second-year culinary arts student at the Lapeer County Intermediate School District’s Education and Technology Center, will compete with 40 other teens from around the country on May 9th in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The top winner of the competition will win a full-ride scholarship to one of the more than 30 Art Institutes in the country that offer a culinary arts program. Other winners will receive partial scholarships.

The top winner also wins an appearance in a short feature of the Best Teen Chef competition on the Food Network. The Best Teen Chef competition has a partnership with the Food Network.
The 2009 Best Teen Chef will be an “Intern for a Day” in the Food Network kitchens in New York City and receive a studio tour, dinner for two at a Food Network chef’s restaurant and a library of Food Network cookbooks.

West's Alyssa Marino whips up winning dish and a chance for "Best Teen Chef"

Lapeer West senior Alyssa Marino whipped up a chicken, rice pilaf and broccoli dish so great it won her a first place medal at a local “Best Teen Chef” competition at the Art Institute of Novi and a chance to win a national competition and an appearance on the Food Network.

Marino also won $3,000 for her efforts.

Alyssa said she was given a general menu, but added her own touches at the competition.
“I made my own sauce and garnish,” she said.

“She was practically raised in a kitchen,” said Alyssa’s mother, Leah Hoadley. “She also used to help out in her grandparents’ restaurant. I’m very proud of her.”

Marino, who is a second year culinary arts student at the Lapeer County Intermediate School District’s Education and Technology Center, will compete with 40 other teens from around the country on May 9th in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The top winner of the competition will win a full-ride scholarship to one of the more than 30 Art Institutes in the country that offer a culinary arts program. Other winners will receive partial scholarships.

The top winner also wins an appearance in a short feature of the Best Teen Chef competition on the Food Network. The Food Network is in a partnership with the "Best Teen Chef" program.

The 2009 Best Teen Chef will be an “Intern for a Day” in the Food Network kitchens in New York City and receive a studio tour, dinner for two at a Food Network chef’s restaurant and a library of Food Network cookbooks.