Crystal Gutierrez, senior culinary arts and hospitality management major at College of the Ozarks, won the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Rising Star Cooking Competition.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — Crystal Gutierrez, senior culinary arts and hospitality management major at College of the Ozarks, won the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Rising Star Cooking Competition. The competition took place during the Springfield/Branson ACF Chapter’s open house at the end of the 2023 spring semester.

“I felt really honored,” Gutierrez said. “I went into it thinking I was not going to do well because I've never competitively cooked, and the people I competed against had a lot more experience than I did. Winning gave me a confidence boost and showed me that I do know what I am doing, and I am capable. It validated my career choices. It was also an honor to be the only woman competing and win, since the industry is mostly male dominated.” 

Gutierrez competed against four other young chef competitors in a mystery basket challenge. The ingredients were not known to the competitors until the competition began, and duck was the secret ingredient. The pressure was on for the 30-minute cooking challenge in front of an audience of chefs and hospitality professionals. Gutierrez’s winning dish was pan roasted duck breast with raspberry and blackberry reduction, granny smith apple slaw, and micro greens.

“When I asked Crystal to compete, she was reluctant at first, but she agreed,” said Robert Stricklin, executive chef of The Keeter Center and College of the Ozarks assistant professor of hospitality management. “Crystal competed against four young professionals that have already been working in the industry. Crystal not only finished on time, but the flavor and presentation is what made her dish stand out from the others. Crystal was able to remain calm, keep her head down, and just do what she had learned. I am not only proud of Crystal and what she accomplished, but I am most proud of the way that she challenged herself.”

“Her flavors and plate presentation are what really set Crystal’s dish above the rest,” stated the lead judge.