A group of talented teens from New Jersey showcases their culinary skills in a thrilling new cooking competition
Newark: A bunch of young chefs in New Jersey are diving into a cool cooking challenge. It’s called “Newark Chops,” and it’s like “Top Chef” for high schoolers.
These culinary arts students from Newark Vocational High School really know their way around a kitchen. From sizzling shrimp to grilling chicken, they’re showing off their skills.
Senior Randy Vasquez put it perfectly: “It’s like a language. You don’t really have to talk. Let the food talk for you.”
In this new reality series produced by Newark Public Schools, teams are competing for a prize of over $10,000. Last year, students from the Newark School of Fashion and Design had their own competition.
Principal Karisa Neis-Lopez believes these experiences are super valuable. They help students prepare for college, careers, or whatever comes next.
She said, “It teaches you how to work under pressure. It teaches you how to work with others. It teaches you how to self-reflect.”
Senior Luis Maldonado, who got into the Culinary Institute of America, dreams of opening his own restaurant someday. “Hopefully, I’ll have my restaurant when I’m a little bit older,” he shared.
Not everyone wants to be a chef, though. Shaddai Ramos loves cooking but has her sights set on being a pediatrician. “I like the idea of helping kids,” she said.
Chef John Calache, their instructor, emphasizes that cooking is just one part of the lesson. “I’m able to give them a grasp about what real life is like. Not everyone wants to be a chef, but they’re learning a key skill for life,” he explained.
“Newark Chops” is set to premiere next week, and you can catch it online starting Tuesday, Jan. 14.
