We're excited to see the field of competitors who have already won their golden ticket and registered to compete at the 2024 World Food Championships. And we are always proud to announce our special guests and celebrity judges participating in our judging events across the nation - we're sure the championship food certainly helps! Best of luck to our 2024 competitors!
COMPETITOR
STRUDEL
HEAD COOK: Kurt Lechner
COMPETITION: World Dessert Championship
QUALIFYING EVENT: Chef's Roll
Kurt Lechner MPC, CEPC, ACE I was born in the wine region of lower Austria 1961. After high school I learned the Baking and Pastry profession in a small town called Neunkirchen Austria. I finished my journeyman degree as Baker and Confectioner in 1980, than moved to Vienna Austria to pursuit my profession. 2 years later I went back to school to become a Master Pastry Chef (Konditor meister) May 1984 I earned my Master Pastry Chef degree. My wife Karin and I moved to the Unites States where I further pursuit my profession as a Pastry Chef and Baker in Utah and California. I worked as the head Baker and Pasty Chef, in catering, hotels and a University in San Diego. In 2008 I got the opportunity to teach in the International Culinary Schools at the Art Institute in San Diego where I still have the privilege to teach and pass on my knowledge to this day. Certifications Certified Executive Pastry Chef, Approved Certified Evaluator, European Master Pastry Chef from Vienna Austria, Culinary Olympics Team Member for the Art Institutes, Erfurt Germany Winning Medals 2 Olympic Bronze metals, 1 ACF Silver Metal Las Vegas NV 1 Silver Metal Mesa Arizon