INA, IL (March 4, 2022) -- The Rend Lake College Culinary Arts program was recently awarded a top prize in a regional contest.

The students received a first place medal in the Entree category of the Hamco Food & Brew Fest, which was held on Feb. 26. The winning dish was pork carnitas tacos topped with cilantro-lime slaw and spicy fruit pico de gallo.

The Rend Lake College Culinary Arts program was honored recently at the Hamco Food & Brew Fest, winning the first-place medal in the Entree category. Pictured from left to right are Levi Riley, Esmeralda Hawkins, Mitchell Supancic and Nia Sternberg. Not pictured is Sammy Benbrook. (Click image for printable photo)

The pork carnitas taco with a cilantro-lime slaw and a spicy fruit pico de gallo was voted as the first-place Entree at the recent Hamco Food & Brew Fest, held in McLeansboro. (Click image for printable photo)

RLC Culinary Arts Associate Professor jeff Fairbanks said the team was led by Chef Daniel Brock, who is originally from DuQuoin and is a graduate of the program. Brock currently resides in O'Fallon. Members of the team included Levi Riley, Esmeralda Hawkins, Mitchell Supancic, Nia Sternberg and Sammy Benbrook.

Held by the Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce, the Hamco Food & Brew Fest was held at The Big Red Barn in McLeansboro. The fourth annual event featured food, beer and live music. Those attending the event are given a ballot and asked to select their favorite among the competitors.

To learn more about RLC's Culinary Arts program, visit rlc.edu/culinaryarts.

RLC Culinary Arts graduate Daniel Brock, center, poses with his team of current students, who include from left: Nia Sternberg, Mitchell Supancic, Brock, Levi Riley and Esmeralda Hawkins. Not pictured is Sammy Benbrook.(Click image for printable photo)

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