Cape Tech Wins Big at Atlantic City NJAC Cook-Off Competition

Cape Tech has done it again!

Cape May County Technical High School’s culinary arts students successfully defended their title at the 13th annual New Jersey Association of Counties Cook-Off Competition, earning top honors and multiple awards during the statewide event held at Caesars Atlantic City Hotel and Casino on Friday, May 8.

Cape Tech Defends Title at Cook-Off Competition

After taking home the grand prize in last year’s competition, Cape Tech once again impressed judges and attendees with a creative coastal-inspired menu that secured the People’s Choice Award and a $1,250 scholarship for the school’s culinary arts program.

This year’s award-winning menu featured a Cape May clam cake with scallop emulsion and sweet poached shallots. The dish earned praise from the judges and conference guests for its creativity, presentation, and flavor.

"Congratulations to our culinary arts students and staff on this outstanding achievement,” said Cape Tech Superintendent Jaime Moscony.

“To win this competition two years in a row speaks volumes about the strength of our culinary program and the passion our students bring to their craft.”

Each culinary team participating in the event consisted of five to six students and two staff members. Teams were challenged to create 300 samples of their dishes while staying within a budget of less than $700.

The Cape May Tech team also won gold in the food preparation, taste, and presentation categories.

Cape Tech Carpentry Wins Gold, Too

The carpentry team won gold for their intricate Coast Guard-themed set design, featuring a helicopter with a large propeller.

“It was a great feeling to go back and not only compete but be victorious for the

second year in a row. The students worked hard - both culinary and construction,” said Cape Tech’s culinary arts instructor Chef Stephen Serano.

“Both the culinary and construction students put in an incredible amount of hard work. The NJAC competition provides an engaging, hands-on learning experience for our CTE students, while also giving them the opportunity to connect with talented chefs and craftsmen from across the state and gain valuable real-world interactions.”