Culinary arts students at Cerritos College demonstrated their career readiness during the eighth annual Marukan Cup of Culinary Excellence, an industry-judged competition designed to mirror real-world professional kitchen standards.
Held in partnership with Marukan Vinegar (USA) Inc., the competition featured 16 top culinary students preparing original entrée dishes inspired by global cuisines. More than 200 spectators and culinary professionals evaluated each dish using industry criteria, including technique, creativity, and product knowledge. “This competition is not about recipes. It’s about readiness,” said Jesusita Lopez, assistant professor and chair of culinary arts. “Our students are working with industry partners, meeting professional expectations, and proving they can succeed in high-pressure environments. That’s how careers are built.”
2026 Marukan Cup of Culinary Excellence Winners
First Place
Rodolfo “RJ” Garcia — $1,000
Theme: Thai
Dish: Nobu-style baked fish
Second Place
Yareli Yepez Maximi — $500
Theme: Ecuador
Dish: Seco de Carne, a traditional braised beef stew
Third Place
Katherine Calderon — $250
Theme: Costa Rica
Dish: Filet mignon with sautéed cabbage, salsa Lizano, corn purée, potato rosettes, and microgreens
The Marukan Cup reflects Cerritos College’s emphasis on hands-on, employer-connected education. Students gain experience working with industry-grade products, receiving direct feedback from professionals, and competing in environments that closely simulate modern culinary workplaces.
The Cerritos College Culinary Arts Program prepares students for careers across the food service and hospitality industries through certificates and associate degrees in professional cooking, baking and pastry, culinary arts management, and hospitality management. Students may also pursue Associate Degrees for Transfer, providing a direct pathway to bachelor’s programs at California State University, Long Beach or Cal Poly Pomona.
By combining industry partnerships, real-world competition, and career-focused instruction, Cerritos College continues to graduate students who are confident, skilled, and prepared to succeed in today’s competitive culinary landscape.
