Culinary Star Crowned in US Regional Final

US Regional Final Winner

Chef Grace Cacciato wins S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy US Regional Final with roasted squab dish for 2027 Milan Grand Finale.

Winning Dish Details

Her dish featured roasted squab with chanterelle mushrooms, toasted buckwheat, black raspberry, and Swiss chard purées.

Competition Format

Ten chefs cooked in Bon Appétit Test Kitchen in New York City over five hours for the US Regional Final.

Mentorship Role

Saga executive chef Charlie Mitchell returned for his second year as mentor working with Cacciato.

Cacciato's Enthusiasm

She called the competition 'the best' and said everyone wants to be part of it.

“It’s the best competition, and everyone wants to be a part of it”

Other Competitors

Nine other chefs competed with dishes showcasing diverse cultural influences and sustainable practices.

S.Pellegrino Academy Pillars

The competition focuses on Community, Competition, and Mentorship to nurture culinary talent.

Dish Highlights

Chef Amit Kumar created a fully vegan dish using banana blossoms and sunchoke purée.

Social Responsibility Award

Chef Evan Neumann won the S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award for sustainable practices.

Youngest Competitor

Chef Lucy Field, 21, competed at Per Se in New York City with a minimalist dish.

Cultural Roots Dish

Chef Marcus Osorio combined Salvadoran and Indigenous ingredients with European techniques.