Adina Brunetti Serves as a Judge at Taste of Education 2026 in Hialeah

Celebrating Young Culinary Talent in Miami-Dade

Adina Brunetti was honored to take part in The Education Fund’s Taste of Education 2026 as one of the event judges, joining an inspiring evening dedicated to student talent, culinary creativity, and the future of food education.

Held at Hialeah Park, Taste of Education brought together student chefs from Miami-Dade County Public Schools culinary programs for a vibrant showcase of flavors, presentation, teamwork, and passion. The event featured gourmet bites prepared by more than 25 award-winning student culinary teams, giving young chefs the opportunity to present their work to guests, educators, community leaders, and culinary professionals.

For Adina, the evening was more than a judging experience. It was a reminder of how powerful food education can be when students are encouraged to explore technique, culture, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen.

As the author of The Italian Art of Modern Home Cooking, Adina Brunetti brings a deep appreciation for classic flavors, thoughtful preparation, and the emotional connection behind every meal. Her approach to food is rooted in the belief that cooking is not only a skill, but also a form of storytelling.

At Taste of Education, Adina had the opportunity to meet student teams, observe their presentations, taste their dishes, and experience firsthand the care and effort they put into their work. Each table reflected a different personality, concept, and culinary point of view — from beautifully plated bites to creative interpretations of familiar dishes.

Judging young culinary talent requires more than simply tasting food. It means recognizing preparation, teamwork, presentation, confidence, and the story behind the dish. For many students, events like this are a first step into the professional world of hospitality, catering, restaurant work, or culinary entrepreneurship.

The evening at Hialeah Park was filled with memorable moments: student chefs proudly presenting their dishes, judges engaging with teams, guests discovering new flavors, and educators celebrating the hard work behind each plate.