SUNY Niagara culinary student wins regional competition, advances to nationals

SUNY Niagara press release & photo

Devin Sierra, a first-year culinary arts student at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI), won first place at the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Northeast Jeune Chef Rôtisseurs Competition held April 10 in Newport, Rhode Island.

The regional contest was a timed competition using a “mystery basket” format, which challenges participants to develop and execute a three-course meal for four people using ingredients revealed only moments before the clock starts. Sierra demonstrated advanced skills by creating dishes using whole duck and whole branzino – a fish native to the Mediterranean and coastal waters of Europe.

“Everyone at NFCI is incredibly excited to have Devin represent our institution on a national stage,” said chef Scott Steiner, SUNY Niagara culinary instructor. “We pride ourselves on rigorous training at NFCI, and navigating a mystery basket with items like duck and branzino requires high levels of both technical proficiency and composure.”

Sierra is one of only four culinarians in the country to advance to the national title competition, which will take place in Philadelphia in early June. The national event will follow the same mystery basket format used in the regional qualifier.

To prepare for the upcoming championship, Sierra will perform a timed practice run during NFCI’s open house, April 25. During this simulation, he will be evaluated by American Culinary Federation judges to mirror the professional scrutiny he will face in June.

More about Niagara Falls Culinary Institute: The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute is a SUNY Niagara facility focused on coursework related to the culinary and hospitality industries. Located in Niagara Falls, it houses fully equipped kitchen classrooms; a retail pastry shop; and Savor, which offers patrons a fine dining experience in a restaurant staffed in part by students.