In an age where some adults have to perform an internet search to find out how to cook an egg, a middle schooler whose cooking skills allow him to rub elbows with celebrities is especially impressive.

In the Wednesday edition of the LaGrange Daily News, we talked to LaGrange native and Chopped Jr. runner-up Zikei Brooks about his experience slicing, dicing and glazing food for the stars at the “Chefs of the World: A Taste of Fame” event in Atlanta. The event raised scholarship funds for The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame.

Brooks now has two major events under his belt, and the 14-year-old aspiring chef is just getting started. Even now before his first day in a restaurant, he has impressive experience and more importantly the skills to back it up.

We look forward to see where Brooks culinary aspirations take him next and plan to share part of his story in our March/April edition of LaGrange Living.