Recently, culinary professionals, hospitality leaders, and students from across Arkansas gathered for Arkansas Diamond Chef, an annual culinary competition and fundraiser hosted by the UA–Pulaski Technical College Foundation. The event brings together student chefs, professional mentors, local restaurants, and community supporters for an evening centered around food, hospitality, and culinary education. Funds raised through the event support scholarships, student success initiatives, and programs within the Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management Institute (CAHMI) at UA–Pulaski Technical College.
The evening featured restaurant tasting stations, live culinary competitions, auctions, and recognition of leaders in Arkansas’s hospitality industry. Student teams were paired with professional chefs in a fast-paced cooking competition that highlighted creativity, teamwork, and technical skills.
One of this year’s student competitors was UAMS Culinary Medicine Instructor Alyssa Frisby, who recently graduated from the Culinary Arts program at UA–Pulaski Technical College. Alyssa was honored to earn second place in the competition after months of preparation and practice alongside her culinary team, led by Chef Scott Rains from Table 28.
With a background in nutrition and culinary medicine, Alyssa enjoys exploring ways to connect cooking skills with practical, approachable nutrition education. Her interest in culinary medicine continues to shape her work both in and outside of the kitchen.
Experiences like Arkansas Diamond Chef highlight the value of mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on learning within Arkansas’s culinary community. Alyssa is grateful for the encouragement and support she received from classmates, chefs, faculty, and colleagues throughout the experience.
