The City Council declared March 17 as Nathan Odom Day in San Diego in honor of the 12-year-old North Park resident’s victory on the Fox television competition show “MasterChef Junior.”

Odom, who began cooking with his grandmother at age 6, beat out 19 competitors over seven weeks for the $100,000 grand prize.

Councilman Todd Gloria — who represents North Park, Hillcrest and downtown — told his colleagues they shouldn’t be surprised that the winner came from his district.

“We have the best food and the best restaurants, so naturally, of course, we’re going to have the best chefs,” said Gloria, who conceded that he can’t cook.

Odom honed his skills in a culinary program at McKinley Elementary School, the councilman said.

The youngster said he’d like to open his own restaurant some day.

“I want to express my gratitude to Todd Gloria and all of the San Diego City Council,” Odom said. “I’m really just incredibly thankful for this honor, and I’d like to thank everyone who helped it happen.”

Odom told the council members that he likes to cook French and Japanese dishes, and especially enjoys making pastries.

—City News Service

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