Food Network Show to Include North's Chefs

Students in the Culinary Arts program at Olathe North High School will be part of a show titled "Top of the Class" showing on the Food Network at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. The television show focuses on the 2009 National ProStart Invitational held in late April in San Diego, in which Olathe students placed second.

"The idea of being on a national network is absolutely amazing," said Chef Mike Chrostowski, instructor in the Culinary Arts 21^st Century High School Program, "but nothing compares to seeing the culinary team stand on stage and bringing back $227,000 in scholarships, paving the way for their future education.

"As an instructor, that is the payoff for me; knowing that every one of these kids is well on his or her way to success and excellence," he said.

As second-place winners at the national event, Olathe North's chefs had the opportunity to stand on stage with Food Network host Guy Fieri (Guy's Big Bite; Ultimate Recipe Showdown; and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives).

"He is an awesome person," Chrostowski said. "He made time for all the students all weekend. After we placed, he took the time for photos and autographs with all the students."

Fieri also shared some words of inspiration with the students, and talked with them one-on-one.

"My overall impression is that he has a ton of passion for food and believes in supporting student culinary programs," Chrostowski said.

The 2009 National ProStart Invitational included students from 39 states, territories and districts, according to its Web site. Chrostowski said more than 500 teams nationwide were narrowed down to 39 teams in state competitions.

"The national competition takes place over a two-day period," he said. "Certified Master Chefs that lead the industry take the time from their restaurants to judge, critic, and encourage these students as they go forward in the industry. Many of the team members have had job offers after they graduate."

Although his students are already thinking ahead to the next National ProStart Invitational April 30-May 2 in Overland Park, they are also excited about the possibility of seeing themselves on television next month.

"The excitement level is through the roof. Even the new students in the program that were not in last year's competition are excited," Chrostowski said. "I think from my level this is a great spotlight to have on the program and carries a ton of potential for us in the future.

"I always reflect on what a chef told me once, ‘You're only as good as your last meal.' And we were great for this one!"

(Photo: Chris Roudebush, Chef Mike Chrostowski, Juan Jasso-Mendoza, Kealan O'Boyle, Ryne Schnabel, and in front, Jamie Lyons at the 2009 National ProStart International competition.)