A Georgia teen turned up the heat in the kitchen today, emerging as “Best Teen Chef 2008. ”Jonathan Miller of Savannah, Ga. won the Best Teen Chef Final Round Competition, sponsored by The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes, becoming the ninth winner to lay claim to the title since the Competition’s inception in 2000. Miller won a full tuition scholarship worth more than $40,000 to study Culinary Arts at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Atlanta and the opportunity to serve as “Intern for a Day” at the Food Network Kitchens.

Aldo Sandoval of Emporia, Kan. and Joaquin Gaytan of Mesa, Ariz. earned second- and third-place honors, also receiving full-tuition scholarships toward an associate’s degree, certificate or diploma program at one of The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes.  
 
Thirty-one high school seniors from across North America converged at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Las Vegas to slice, dice, and sauté their way through the grueling two-hour competition in pursuit of more than $250,000 in tuition scholarships and the title of Best Teen Chef 2008.  Coronado High School senior Jonathan Grant won sixth place and a half tuition scholarship to attend The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Las Vegas.

Competitors were given two hours to prepare three dishes from an Italian inspired menu of Braciole Calabresi - Stuffed Pork Bundles; Peperonata - Peppers Sautéed with Olive Oil and Capers; and Orechietti con Carciofl - Orechietti Pasta with Artichokes.  The teens were judged on cleanliness, taste and presentation and more by the program’s chef educators.  

Miller credits his mother as his inspiration for cooking.  While he was growing up, “every day we would sit together and watch ‘Great Chefs of the East’ and ‘Great Chefs of the West,’” said Miller.  “This simple, daily act instilled in me a passion I hope to turn into a career.”  He would like to pursue a career where he can achieve the same levels of satisfaction and pride as when he is experimenting at home.  

Chef Michael Nenes, Assistant Vice President of Culinary Arts for The Art Institutes, said, "Each year, the caliber and talent of the students who compete for the title of Best Teen Chef becomes more impressive. The key to the Best Teen Chef Competition is to come with your game face on and be ready to out-cook the competition.  Training, focus and determination – all qualities of the most successful chefs - are paramount.  Jonathan Miller distinguished himself throughout the Competition, and the judges were very impressed with his excellent culinary skills and talent.”