Six-year-old wins first Garlic Chef Junior competition

The 40th annual Gilroy Garlic Festival kicked off this year with a new cooking competition featuring some junior chefs.

Eight chefs all under 18 faced off for the title in the first ever Garlic Chef Junior Competition on Friday, July 27th.

The event was hosted by Master Chef Season 7 winner Shaun O’Neale.

“These kids are spectacular, I’ll be honest they kind of put the adults to shame,” said Shaun O’Neale.

Each chef had two hours to prepare and plate a dish highlighting Gilroy’s garlic.

A panel of four judges including KION’s own Amanda Gomez scored them on taste, appearance, creativity and of course their use of garlic.

The chefs ranging in age from six-years-old to 15, all eager to show off their culinary talents with friends, family and festival-goers.

“When I met the kids who are in it, they’re a great bunch you know cute little Addyson and a very talkative group and they’re just a great bunch of people,” said 15-year-old contestant Gannon Janisch.

Six-year-old Addyson Dell took home the win serving up her garlic mac and cheese with crispy garlic chicken tenders and roasted asparagus.

“I thought I would win for sure because macaroni and cheese is the best thing in the world,” said Addyson Dell.

“It’s pretty special to see a six-year-old just win Garlic Chef Junior, it’s just mind blowing,” said O’Neale.

“I’m so proud of her, so excited she started when she was just a year old and she has always wanted to cook,” said Leslie Dell.

And Addyson says she doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon.

“I want to be like Tiana, a cooking princess.”

For more on the garlic festival click here.