Carbon County native Lyn Wells recently competed in the national Ment’or Young Chef Competition in Los Angeles, where she took first place. Wells will now receive $15,000 and a three-month internship at her choice of one of the nation’s most well-respected restaurants.
The competition was part one of a four-part series of competitions taking place throughout the nation this year. The competition aims to recognize outstanding young chefs in America.
“Ment’or is a nonprofit organization that aims to inspire excellence in young culinary professionals and preserve the traditions and quality of cuisine in America,” the organization shares online. “Educational grants and internships are offered to food, beverage and service professionals through the program for continuing education.”
In the competition, Wells represented Canyon Park Café in Orem, where she currently works as a line cook. She prepared beef three ways, which included a pan-seared, dry-aged ribeye with a bone marrow glaze; a quick smoke, bacon-cured rib cap; and a braised riblet stuffed in a potato bou.
In addition to the prestigious honor Wells received in Los Angeles, she also posseses an American Culinary Federation (AFC) certification. ACF has been an authority on cooking in America since 1929. According to acfchefs.org, certification through the American Culinary Federation demonstrates skill, knowledge and professionalism to the food service industry.
