Teaching Kitchen Coordinator Chef Jaz Johnson organized the High School cooking challenge, culminating in the championship event on Monday, April 25. Students from the four High School grades squared off each week in a 30-minute cook-off, using four random mystery ingredients selected by Chef Jaz.

 

The competition featured guest judges ranging from faculty and staff members to professional chefs, including Food Network’s Aarthi Sampath and Chef Elizabeth Richards from Refettorio Harlem.

 

Class champions freshman Miles Gumbs '25, sophomore William Foley '24, junior Dagmar Rothschild '23, and senior Leo Mitchell '22 squared off in Monday’s final. The students crafted four formidable dishes, but Leo’s gooseberry mousse was selected by guest judges Interim Head of School Ellen Stein and Interim DEI Director Yom Fox as the 2022 Dalton CHOPPED Champion!

 

“I am still in absolute awe of the level of skill, sportsmanship, and masterful flavor pairings displayed in the teaching kitchen this month during our first-ever Dalton CHOPPED Competition,” Chef Jaz said. “Congratulations to everyone for making it to the plate on time and to this year's CHOPPED Champion, Leo Mitchell, whose winning dish was a gooseberry mousse with a spiced mushroom powder tuile. It was a real treat having you all in the kitchen!”