# Culinary Star Crowned in US Regional Final

> Chef Grace Cacciato wins S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy US Regional Final with a dish representing America at Milan Grand Finale.
- Title: Culinary Star Crowned in US Regional Final · Bon Appétit
- Summary: Chef Grace Cacciato wins S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy US Regional Final with a dish representing America at Milan Grand Finale.
- Keywords: s.pellegrino young chef academy, us regional final, roasted squab, milan grand finale, chef grace cacciato, 2027 grand finale, bon appétit test kitchen, Bon Appétit
- Source: Bon Appétit — https://bonappetit.com/story/spellegrino-young-chef-academy-2026-us-regional-final
- Author: Sari Kamin
- Published: 2026-11-12T00:20:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: s.pellegrino young chef academy, us regional final, roasted squab, milan grand finale, chef grace cacciato, 2027 grand finale, bon appétit test kitchen, food, lifestyle
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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