Best Teen Chef 2008 Local Finalists - San Diego
Krista Scott
Grossmont High School
The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – San Diego’s Best Teen Chef 2008
Krista Scott, a Senior at Grossmont High School in La Mesa, California started creating her own dishes at 12 years old, coming up with the dinner theme, the menu, waitressing for her family, and even transforming the entryway of her house into a restaurant lounge. Her interest is not only in the final product, but the behind-the-scenes prep work that goes into perfecting the entire experience for her customers.
Scott’s passionate cooking style began at five years old when her dad taught her how to grill and make scrambled eggs. She was also influenced by her grandmother who showed her how to use a chef’s knife at eight years old. Playing “cooking show” and baking with her mom were always her favorite past times as a child.
In her spare time, Scott loves to shop, make people laugh, and watch The Food Network. After earning her degree in Culinary Arts, Scott’s ultimate dream and goal would be to have her own show on The Food Network and restaurant or catering business of her own.
“I grew up cooking Italian food mostly because that’s what I knew from my family history,” Scott explains, “But now I’m really interested in taking a modern approach and learning more about Mexican and Southwestern flavors. I want to experience it all! I think Emeril could use a young sidekick to ‘kick it up a notch!’ as he would say.” Scott doesn’t have a favorite dish to prepare, but loves to whip up creative pasta dishes or salads.
Scott will begin her creative education studying at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – San Diego in the fall of 2008. She was one of ten talented contestants that competed for the title of Local Best Teen Chef. Her adventure continues as she prepares for the National Best Teen Chef Competition to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada.