Best Teen Chef 2008 Local Finalists - Tampa
Kristen Mascio
The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Tampa’s Best Teen Chef 2008
Freedom High School senior, Kristen Mascio, was recently named the first place winner of The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Tampa’s local Best Teen Chef Competition.
Kristen’s passion for cooking began at an early age while helping her mother and grandmothers in the kitchen. “My grandmothers send me recipes in the mail all the way from New York that they think I should try. They’re so cute,” Kristen says. “It really is a family affair.”
Kristen cooks frequently for both family and friends, finding their reactions and positive feedback to be the most enjoyable aspect of cooking. “I get such internal satisfaction knowing that they enjoyed what I made for them.” Kristen says the most memorable meal she made was last year’s extensive Thanksgiving dinner spread she created for her family. “It was a combination of all the flavors and smells that created such a memorable meal.”
Kristen thinks that staying organized in the kitchen is necessary to making a successful meal and scoring extra points in the Best Teen Chef competition. “I don’t want to forget one thing, and I certainly don’t want to be messy or cross-contaminate.” Attending last year’s Summer Studio workshop at The Art Institute of Tampa enhanced her knowledge of sanitation and sharpened her culinary skills.
Kristen does not have a favorite restaurant, but she does love Italian food. She hopes to open her own restaurant one day. Kristen enjoys spending time with her friends and family. When she’s not actively participating in her school choir, she can be found making chocolate candies for her loved ones.