ANN ARBOR—A culinary team coached by University of Michigan Housing Services Chef Thomas Recinella will compete next month in a regional contest after winning second place in the ” State of Michigan Junior Hot Food Championship.”

Recinella, of White Lake Township, is a chef at Stockwell and Mosher-Jordan residence halls at U-M, and teaches an advanced culinary techniques course at Washtenaw Community College.

In the state contest, Recinella’s team, four students and an alternate, received a ” mystery box” of food. Using its contents, the team had 30 minutes to plan a four course menu, three hours and 15 minutes to produce it, and another 15 minutes to prepare 12 plates for service.

Teams were judged on technical skills, taste, presentation, nutritional balance, compatibility of ingredients, sanitation and delegation.

Recinella said his team, sponsored by the community college and the Ann Arbor Culinary Association, practiced since October for the state contest. At the regional event March 21-22 in Indianapolis, the local group will compete against teams from 14 states. The regional winner advances to national competition sponsored by the American Culinary Federation.