OCC culinary team takes second in national contest

Orange Coast College’s culinary team finished second in the American Culinary Federation’s student championships this week in Orlando, Fla., marking the fourth time in history that the school has taken one of the top two spots.

The five-member OCC team consisted of students Brodie Curtis and Conrad Malaya of Newport Beach, Marissa Gerlach of Laguna Niguel, Chad Urata of Irvine and Brent Omeste of Orange. Professional chefs and OCC graduates Jeremy Peters and Keith Noriega coached, while professor Bill Barber advised.

In the contest, which took place Monday at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort and Convention Center, teams had to prepare four courses — appetizer, salad, entrée and dessert — in four hours or less. The college finished first in 2005 and won second in 1995 and 2004.

“Our students did a great job, and we are very proud of their performance,” Barber said.

— Michael Miller