By Lisa Parrish, GMC Editor

Victor Hugo Perez, a recent Utah Valley University (UVU) culinary arts graduate, defeated junior chefs from other countries in the Americas during the three-day competition. The bi-annual competition is sanctioned by the World Association of Chef’s Societies.

“This is an amazing accomplishment for our University and the Culinary Arts Institute,” said Peter Sproul, an associate professor and chef instructor, who attended the competition with Perez. “It’s our first international win.”

During the competition, Perez produced a three-course meal for four people consisting of an entrée (starter), main course with appropriate sauce(s), a starch and vegetables (minimum of two) and a dessert. The time limit for cooking was four hours.

“This was not an easy competition. It pushed me to levels where I had never been before,” said Perez. “I practiced techniques I had never done before. This was my first four-hour competition.” Prior to the Ecuador meet, he had only participated in contests at the 1 ½ hour mark.

The highlight for Perez was to be able to interact with chefs from other countries. He said, “I saw their interpretations of the same ingredients and how they made them harmonize into a menu.”

As a UVU student, Perez was named American Culinary Federation’s 2014 Western Regional Student Chef of the Year. He graduated from UVU with an associate degree in culinary arts in May 2014. Perez is planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree at UVU in hospitality management.

He put great effort into preparing for the competition. “I moved to another state and left my family so I could practice. I worked a full-time job and practiced 30 hours a week.” 

Perez continued, “I am very grateful to have been chosen and supported by the American Culinary Federation. I am grateful to Utah Valley University, Chef Peter Sproul and my family who supported me every step of the way.” 

Hans J. Bueschkens was president of the Word Association of Chefs’ Societies from 1980–1988 and worked tirelessly to create programs to interest youth in cooking by adding the Young Chef competitions and activities to the association.

Photo: Victor Hugo Perez winner of Hans Bueschkens Young Chef Challenge. Photo curtesy of Utah Valley University Marketing Department.