Scenes From Jamie Oliver's Weekend Cooking Competition

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British chef and television personality Jamie Oliver brought his Food Revolution-mobile to Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade this past Saturday. After some back and forth with the city, it was quite a show that Oliver hosted with 32 students from 8 high schools within Los Angeles County including Arcadia H.S., El Rancho H.S., Lynwood H.S., Rowland H.S., San Gabriel H.S., Santee H.S., and West Adam Prep H.S. Seven local chefs -- Ben Ford, Evan Funke, Joseph Gillard, Seth Greenberg, Eric Greenspan, Amy Pressman and Susanne Tracht -- served as mentors for the high school students. Michael Symon from the Food Network’s Iron Chef America and Jonathan Waxman of Bravo’s Top Chef: Masters judged the competition. Green Giant was on hand to spread the good word about green vegetables. Groups of five students were responsible for creating a dish for the judges, but before they could start cooking, one of the mentoring chefs guided them through their ingredients, camp-stoves, and culinary equipment. After the 15 minute pow-wow, the students rushed to create a dish that would wow the judges. Just when they thought they had everything under control, Oliver threw in a "mystery ingredient" - avocados. Cue the molcajetes.

Eater spied Top Cheffers Alex Reznik and Michael Voltaggio on the scene with Waylynn Lucas not far behind. Voltaggio was almost unrecognizable in large sunglasses and a beanie, clearly trying to avoid a press mob. All in all, a fun, sunny morning with Los Angeles County High School cheerleaders and a marching band to add to the festivities. Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution speaks equally to the American passion for reality television and its hunger for all things foodie. — Daniela Galarza