The Las Vegas culinary community came together on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, for ACF Chefs of Las Vegas’ Mocktails & Morsels event—an evening dedicated to mentorship, feedback and the future of the industry.
Ten Rancho High School culinary students took center stage as they prepared and served the very dishes and mocktails they plan to present at the upcoming ProStart secondary school competitions, which focus on restaurant management and culinary arts. The event offered students a rare, real-world opportunity to showcase their skills in front of professional chefs, peers and industry supporters.
“Events like this one are important for the connection of industry to the classroom,” said Chef Christina Sargent, Culinary Arts Teacher at Rancho High School. “It is important for students who aspire to be in culinary to hear from those in the industry. Connections are made and it helps ignite more passion in students.”
Throughout the evening, local chefs and attendees engaged directly with the students, offering real-time feedback on flavor profiles, technique, presentation and overall concept. The hands-on mentorship allowed students to fine-tune their recipes, build confidence and gain valuable insight into industry expectations—well before competition day.
Special shout out to a few guest chefs who came out just for the occasion: Chris Nicholson, Property Chef at Suncoast Hotel & Casino; Jason Sanchez, Bar Staff at MGM Resorts International; Darnell Harness, Chef/Owner of Dazzling Bistro; and Christopher Lindsay, M. Ed. Chef Instructor/Lecturer Food & Beverage Management Department at William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at UNLV. Your commitment to fostering the next generation of great chefs is truly appreciated.
“Events like this help me build relationships to connect classroom to industry,” said Michael Hadobas, ProStart Coordinator at Nevada Restaurant Association. “I was able to network with many industry professionals that were eager to take the opportunity to help students in the ProStart program here in Nevada.”
Mocktails & Morsels reinforced ACF Chefs of Las Vegas’ commitment to education, mentorship and cultivating the next generation of culinary talent. By creating a supportive environment rooted in learning and collaboration, the event helped bridge the gap between the classroom and the professional kitchen—one plate and one pour at a time.
A big shout out and special thanks to the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation for supporting this educational event.
Enjoy this photo recap from the evening.
