San Marcos,
09
April
2015
|
16:34 PM
America/Los_Angeles

Events You Don't Want to Miss This Weekend: Top Chef Spin-Off Competition & Mike Wax Live in Concert at the USU

By Jasmine Demers, Tukwut Life Student Assistant—Communications, 2016

This Friday, April 6 at 6 p.m., CSUSM will host its first student cooking competition in the USU amphitheater, providing budding culinary artists with the opportunity to show off their kitchen skills while engaging in teamwork and bonding with friends.

Top Cat, a spin-off of the popular Bravo Top Chef series, consists of five teams who will have to battle it out to create the best meal for a panel of judges. Competitors will be given four mystery ingredients that will be revealed upon arrival, and will have one hour to create and prepare their meal.

“This is the first time we have planned a student cooking competition,” said Lauren Gatto, coordinator of student involvement for Student Life and Leadership. “Teams will have to cook using a box of mystery ingredients in front of a live audience and then be judged on taste, presentation and creativity. Audience members will also be able to enjoy some free food and have a chance to win some cool swag from the bookstore.”

Programming staff are hopeful that Top Cat, which is making its CSUSM debut this semester, will become a new favorite for students.

“It’s important for students to get involved because it is a great way to meet other students and learn more about the university and the resources it has to offer,” said Gatto. “We are trying to increase student life on campus to provide a better sense of community.”

All five Top Cat teams have been filled, but students are invited to watch the competition from the audience and enjoy free food. Hope to see you on Friday, Cougars. Bon Appétit!

This Sunday, April 12 at 8 p.m. in the University Student Union amphitheater, CSUSM will host a concert featuring Singer and Songwriter Mickey Wax. Wax has toured with artists and bands such as Parachute, Matt Wertz, Jon McLaughlin, Howie Day, Ryan Cabrera, Tyler Hilton and Andy Grammer. His music has been featured on television shows such as Pretty Little Liars, Switched at Birth and So You Think You Can Dance, and he was recently recognized by iHeart Radio as an "Artist to Watch.” His new self-titled album can be found on the iTunes top 100 pop chart and he is currently headlining his very first U.S. tour. For more information visit the USU events calendar.