Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

Taste Test

Vermonters take their food seriously — even when it comes to school lunch. At the statewide Junior Iron Chef competition, teams of 6th to 12th graders aim to prepare signature dishes that could be served at school. The ability to slice, dice and sautée only gets you so far at this culinary-arts celebration. Among other criteria, participants must use at least five local, seasonal ingredients from a pre-determined list. Final presentations meet the palettes of an esteemed panel of judges led by New England Culinary Institute's Mark Molinaro. Proceeds benefit area farm-to-school programs.