ANN ARBOR, MI – The University of Michigan hosted a college chef cook-off Tuesday, with the school’s own senior executive chef Justin Lucas claiming top honors as chefs from six schools battled one another for the Midwest title.
South Quad’s student dining hall was the venue for the National Association of College & University Food Services’ Midwest Culinary Showdown. Chefs from Michigan, MSU, Notre Dame, Ohio University, the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois each showcased their take on an entrée featuring whole catfish and fresh okra.
The event was part of NACUFS Engage: Midwest, a one-day professional development gathering for campus dining hosted by the university at the Michigan Union.
Lucas will advance to the final round at the national NACUFS conference in New Orleans on July 16. He’ll face the winners from each of the association’s five other regions for a trophy, cash prize and the chance to compete in the ACF’s National Chef of the Year competition…