Kids that Cook Invited to Compete in New Garlic Chef Jr. Contest

May 21, 2018 (Gilroy, CA): Cooking competitions have been part of the Gilroy Garlic Festival since 1979—but kids have never had the chance to compete on the Garlic Cook-Off Stage until now. As part of the Gilroy Garlic Festival’s 40th annual celebration, the first-ever “Garlic Chef Jr.” cooking competition for young chefs under the age of 18 will be held on Friday, July 27. MasterChef Season 7 Winner Shaun O’Neale will serve as emcee for the event.

Each contestant must create one baked or grilled dish containing at least six cloves of garlic within two hours. Chefs are allowed to have one adult (non-professional) sous chef on stage with them if desired. A panel of expert judges will evaluate each dish for taste, appearance, creativity and use of garlic. The winner receives a $500 prize.

Nikki Dequin, Co-Chair of the 2018 Gilroy Garlic Festival Recipe Contest Committee, said, “The theme of this year’s event is ‘Celebrating 40 Years of Family Fun,’ so it seemed like the perfect time to introduce this brand-new competition for kids who love to cook for their families. We know there are lots of talented young chefs in our community and can’t wait to see them competing on the Garlic Cook-Off Stage!”

Aspiring young chefs who will be under the age of 18 on July 27 are invited to apply by sending email to recipe@gilroygarlicfestival.com. Please include your name, birthdate, phone number, a short bio that includes your cooking experience, and why you’d like to be part of this competition.

For more information, visit www.gilroygarlicfestival.com.