From Sliders to Shawarma: BVSD Students Master Meals on the Move at Iron Chef

Five incredibly talented teams of BVSD middle schoolers gathered on Wednesday, March 11 for the annual Middle School Iron Chef competition at the BVSD Culinary Center. Thirteen young chefs representing Aspen Creek K-8, Eldorado K-8, Horizons K-8, Monarch PK-8, Manhattan, and Centennial Middle School brought the heat as they demonstrated their culinary skills in a live cooking competition. These five teams were carefully selected from an impressive pool of 24 team applicants.

“We are thrilled that for the second year we get to hold the competition in this beautiful space,” said Shawn Marie Rivera, a BVSD District Manager and judge. Since its completion in 2024, the competition has been held in the Apex Teaching Kitchen at the Culinary Center, giving students a glimpse into a potential culinary pathway in high school.

This year’s theme, “Food on the Move,” challenged teams to create handheld dishes. Final creations included Chicken Parmigiana Sliders, Chicken Shawarma Wraps, Buffalo Chicken Caesar Wraps, Mediterranean Empanadas, and Brazilian Street Empanadas.

With minimal assistance from adult mentors, each team prepared their dish and selected a student to present its story or inspiration to the judges. Participants spoke confidently about their culinary choices while serving samples to BVSD chefs and managers, Apex culinary teacher Amber Graff and one of her students, and guest judge Amy Kimoto-Kahn—an accomplished author, personal chef, and food blogger based in Boulder. Kimoto-Kahn elevated the competition by gifting signed copies of her books to members of the winning team.

“I might say this every year, but I think this was the best Iron Chef event yet,” said Food Services Director Chef Carolyn Villa. “The kids keep raising the stakes with their skills and dedication!”

Warehouse Manager Doug Kasarosian enthusiastically emceed the event, ultimately announcing Team E+M—Eli Schlissel and Maya Willner—as this year’s champions for their standout Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Chef Carolyn Villa presented the top three teams with “big checks” for their schools, with top prizes going to Centennial and Platt Middle Schools. In keeping with BVSD Iron Chef tradition, the winning dish will be featured on next year’s school menu.

All teams earned high praise for their preparation, creativity, and performance under pressure, and Villa congratulated every student participant.

The Daily Camera covered the event, highlighting both the competition and its winners. A favorite event among BVSD staff and the broader community, the Iron Chef competition continues to inspire connection, creativity, and the next generation of chefs year after year.