Utahna Warren, a senior at UVU’s Culinary Arts Institute, won gold at the Global Chefs Challenge in Toronto on May 25, 2019. As the winner, she earns the title of best young chef in the Americas — plus a coveted opportunity to represent the Western Hemisphere at the world championships to be held next summer in Russia.
As the sole representative from the USA, Warren competed in Toronto against the top young chefs from nations in North America and South America. The grueling four-hour competition was made even more intense by the level of judging.
“The judges at this event were some pretty well-known chefs in the culinary world,” said Warren. “And they were a lot more picky than any judges I’ve encountered before.
By qualifying for the world championships, Warren, a Provo native, has now advanced further than any previous chef from the Beehive State.
“We couldn’t be more proud of Utahna,” said Chef Todd Leonard, department chair of UVU’s Culinary Arts Institute. “To pull off this victory and being named the best young chef in the Americas is just another example of the quality of our culinary students and program here at UVU. And I really think she’s got an awesome chance to win the world title, too!”
Warren’s winning menu in Toronto consisted of three plates;
Starter: “A Celebration of Salmon”
Citrus-cured salmon crudo; salmon and dill roulade with lemon aioli; salmon roe and pickled vegetables; spring baby greens and black pepper tuile; olive oil and lemon granita.
Main Course: “Sunday Steak and Potatoes”
Sirloin garlic poele and marinated tomatoes; braised beef potato with sweet onion jam; bacon-cured striploin and spring vegetable fricassee; rosemary garlic potato puree; mushroom beef jus; roast wild mushroom and onion petals.
Dessert: “Dark Chocolate, Oranges, and Macadamias/Christmas in May”
Orange dark chocolate tart with riso gelato; orange curd; macadamia butter and powder; macerated clementine; macadamia praline; candied kumquat; blood orange pate de fruit.
Warren now advances to compete at the world championships in Russia. The Global Chefs Challenge Worldchefs Congress and Expo 2020 in St. Petersburg, Russia, is a prestigious competition where the world’s top chefs convene to showcase their mastery in culinary arts.
Representing the Americas and as one of five finalists for the world title, Warren will face competitors from Asia, Europe, Africa/Middle East, and the Pacific Rim.
“I can’t wait,” exclaimed Warren. “But I know I’ve got months of practice ahead of me and I’m just so grateful for everyone at UVU’s culinary department for all their support and I’m going to do my best to bring home UVU’s first-ever world championship.”
