FINALISTS
These 6 outstanding chefs have been chosen to compete in New York City in “Le Best Chef Competition” for the chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Paris, $2,500 in cash, and the acclaim of the Jean-Jacques Dietrich Trophy, named in honor of the French chef who served at the head of the US Delegation of L’Académie Culinaire de France for 32 years.! Congrats, chefs – and good luck!
Carlyle Williams
Exec Sous Chef – Yale Club
Guy-Rene Gerin
Chef de Cuisine – Residence of the French Ambassador to the United Nations
Benjamin Grebel
Farm to Table Coordinator – International Culinary Center
Ian Israelsen
Lead Cook – Bourbon Prime
Chainey Kuykendall
Sous Chef – Sycamore
Søren Budtz
Sous Chef – MeyersUSA
ABOUT THE COMPETITION
L’Académie Culinaire de France – US Delegation has partnered with the French Ministry of Agriculture to host the competition, promoting French culinary ‘know-how’ and reinvigorating French cuisine amongst the new generation of chefs.
Chefs were asked to register via the official website and share a few original recipes adhering to some specific requirements. The application deadline was February 28th, 2020.
A jury composed of Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, will be presided by chef Fabrice Prochasson MOF, President of L’Académie Culinaire de France, and used seven criteria to select the six candidates and two alternates: respect for the theme, seasonality of the recipes, respect for the raw ingredients, compliance with the regulations, innovation, quality of presentation, and originality.
Keep scrolling for information about timeline and prizes
TIMELINE
Applications must be submitted by February 28th, 2020
Finalists will be announced on the evening of March 6th, 2020.
The contest will be held in New York City at the International Culinary Center on April 18, 2020. Airfare and lodging will be provided for finalists.
PRIZES
- 1st Prize: A $2,500 check and an allocation of materials and food products provided by our partners, related to the culinary world for a global value of approximately $3,000.
- 2nd Prize: A check for $1500 and an allocation of materials and food products provided by our partners related to the world of gastronomy for a total approximate value of $2,000.
- 3rd Prize: A check for $500 and a grant of equipment and food provided by partners of the exhibition, related to the culinary world for a global value of approximately $1,500.
Good luck chefs!
