Get ready to feast your eyes (and maybe sneak a taste) as the best young chefs from Southern Oregon’s top high schools go head-to-head in the inaugural Southern Oregon High School Kitchen Klash. This one-day extravaganza of knives, flames, and flavor innovation will bring together 12 talented teams from five schools, transforming  Phoenix High School into a culinary battleground on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

The competition kicks off at 9 a.m. sharp and runs for a full day of cooking, wrapping up with awards and a community tasting event by 2 p.m. Twelve teams—each comprising 2-3 student participants—will create a three-part plate including a protein, a vegetable, and a starch.

These students aren’t just cooking; they’re crafting careers and community pride one plate at a time. We’re thrilled to spotlight the next generation of Southern Oregon chefs, blending local flavors with contemporary techniques in a format that’s equal parts challenge and celebration.”


Competition Guidelines: Where Precision Meets Plating Perfection

Teams will face off in timed rounds lasting 90 minutes each. The core challenge? The signature 3-Point Landing—a plated single dish that must incorporate one protein, one vegetable, one starch, and a wildcard, surprise ingredient, revealed before the clock starts. Think flank steak elevated by mystery heirloom tomatoes, or quinoa re-imagined with an unexpected twist like lavender-infused honey.

Judges, including Oregon Coast Culinary Institute Chefs and local chefs, will score entries on technique and execution (40%), flavor balance (30%), and presentation (30%).

Representing their schools are teams from: 

  • Ashland High School
  • Eagle Point High School
  • Klamath Union High School
  • North Medford High School
  • Phoenix High School

This competition empowers students to turn their passion for food into real-world skills, all while celebrating the rich agricultural bounty of our region.

Special thank you to our many sponsors, including:

  1. Ashland Food Co-op
  2.  Charlie’s Produce
  3. Dutch Bros – Klamath Falls
  4. Fred Meyer – Klamath Falls
  5. Grocery Outlet – Klamath Falls
  6. Grocery Outlet – White City
  7. Les Schwab – Klamath Falls
  8. Natural Grocers – Medford
  9. OR Army National Guard
  10. Oregon Pacific Financial Advisors
  11. Rays Food Market – Phoenix
  12. Safeway – Medford
  13. Sherm’s – Klamath Falls
  14. Trader Joe’s
  15. US Chef – Medford, Klamath Falls