2019 Race to Cannes Winner: Katy Fernbaugh

Each year Louisiana Culinary Institute holds its annual competition Race to Cannes. The Chopped style competition pits LCI’s top students against one another through a series of challenges. The students create original dishes from a mystery basket of ingredients and the winner earns the opportunity to join the American Pavilion cooking team at the Cannes Film Festival in May. During the festival, the winner cooks at the main gathering area, preparing over 1,000meals each day, catering parties, press events, receptions, and luncheons.

This year’s winner, Katy Fernbaugh, chose to prepare a ravioli dish and a stir fry. The students were required to use all of the ingredients given to them, and the qualifiers were four ounces of protein, starch and vegetables. “I was the only student who made pasta from scratch,” Katy explained. “It was a risky move, and I believe it set me apart.”Because the students had to submit a menu in only fifteen minutes before cooking began, Katy recalls having to think on her feet and make strategic decisions.“I’ve always liked working individually – I like knowing that it’s all on me.”

Katy believes taking advantage of all Louisiana Culinary Institute has given her prepared her for this competition. Prior to winning Race to Cannes, Katy had the opportunity to work for the Masters, and it was there that she realized all of the practical knowledge LCI had already provided her. “My education far surpassed some others that had gone to a four-year college! The program is fully immersive and condensed –I have been eating, breathing and sleeping culinary school for the last 16 months.”

If you’re considering attending culinary school, Louisiana Culinary Institute is the premier choice. Katy has chosen to pursue a degree in Advanced CulinaryArts (Savory). As far as advice for other current or prospective students,Katy believes that you’ll never know what you’re capable of unless you challenge yourself. “Deciding to attend culinary school was a leap of faith,”Katy explained. “Go ahead and jump – if you fail, you might even learn more than if you succeed.”