Valley teen returns in the culinary limelight

Local teen chef, Kennedy Torres recently returned to national television as a contestant on Bravo’s current season of “Top Chef Family Style,” streaming on Peacock.

“All the challenges were really fun,” Torres said.

Torres said that she picked up a lot of different techniques she didn’t know while going through the various challenges on the show.

“I learned a lot,” Torres said. “It was a good experience, and it was really fun going down there and meeting all the people. I’m glad it did it because of everything I learned.”

Torres was 11 years old when she made her public television debut on Food Network’s “Chopped Jr” where she impressed judges with her cooking and baking skills. At the time, she said that she wanted to run her own restaurant. Now that she’s 15 years old, that dream hasn’t changed and she’s as determined as ever to make a living with her culinary skills.

Torres said that she plans to start her own food truck after she graduates high school. After that, she wants to attend culinary school and eventually open her own restaurant with a bakery inside. She said that she intends to stay in Alaska.

“This is just where I want to live and the Lower 48 has too many people, and it’s just too much,” Torres said.

Torres basically grew up in the kitchen. She’s been cooking since she was a little girl and always enjoyed whipping up desserts or making dinner for her family.

“I like watching people’s faces when they eat my food and I like having professional chefs give me feedback on what I made. I like cooking in the kitchen alone because then I can create whatever I want and it’s peaceful when I’m cooking by myself,” Torres said.

Torres said that she was glad to have to chance to be on a cooking show again, but she appreciated the cooking aspect more than the cameras and millions of people watching.

“I like cooking, and everything about cooking I love. But, having cameras on me and people watching me is not my favorite,” Torres said with a laugh.

“After that, I probably wouldn’t be on any more cooking shows, but they just keep getting thrown at me. So, whichever ones I feel like doing, that’s what will happen,” Torres said.

Rosie Torres said that she’s thankful for these opportunities for her daughter to show everyone what she can do and grow as a chef. She was even able to cook with her on “Top Chef Family Style” since the teams are made up of teens and their adult family members.

“That experience is invaluable anyway, like the people she met and the feedback she got,” Torres said. “I’m proud of her for jumping on this opportunity. Opportunities are always good. Options are always a good thing. It was worth it because she learned so much.”

To watch Torres compete against other teens from across the country for the $50,000 grand prize, stream it online at peacocktv.com/stream-tv/top-chef-family-style.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com