Le Best Chef Competition

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.
The winner of Le Best Chef Competition will also be awarded an all-inclusive trip to Paris and have a chance to represent the US at the prestigious Trophée Passion, an international culinary contest hosted by L’Académie Culinaire de France. 

Good luck chefs!