Exciting, thrilling, exhilarating, and nerve wrecking were just some of the adjectives I heard as participants eagerly awaited the moment they had to display their masterful culinary skills. On Friday, March 28, 2024, the second annual Culinary Arts Competition, organized by the Florida Department of Corrections, held at Lowell Correctional Institution in Ocala, Florida, went into a full display of personal hygiene, various cooking methods, taste, texture, mouthfeel, plating, and sanitation. Additionally, the opportunity for the Department of Corrections to show how an event like this helps in preparing inmates to return to society and not recidivate was foremost on the Department’s agenda. So began a day filled with zesty mouthfuls bursting with flavors of succulent steaks, savory salads, mouth-watering potatoes, velvety cakes, and many other delicacies.
As the competition began, participants and guests lined the beautifully decorated meeting room. Each facility had its stations loaded with delectable items, and the inmates, (culinary students and graduates) smiled invitingly at the judges and guests, willing them over to taste what they had prepared. Teams of this welcoming feast, representing several correctional institutions, then entered the kitchen to begin preparing their tasty, colorful, and delicious meals that left the judges asking for individual plates.
At the end of the cooking process, all the participants received commendation for mastering their craft. We, the culinary arts teachers, would like to say to the students that we are thankful for your hard work, we acknowledge your skills, and applaud you for your participation. The world awaits you.
When it came time to reveal the winner, the final presentation was undoubtedly bittersweet. The culinary community is aware of the critical role the "Back of the House" plays in producing a delicious meal. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the two dishwashers from Lowell CI, who patiently worked with all the participating teams and ensured each team had clean utensils and cookware throughout the competition.
"And Madison CI is the winner," declared Mr. Dot Mahoney emphatically, causing the room to erupt in cheers. As they shook hands and congratulated the winners and one another, the other teams demonstrated excellent sportsmanship. With the competition over, everyone in the room departed in anticipation of the next one!
