Chef Grace Cacciato has emerged victorious from a rigorous competition, claiming the title of the 2026–2027 S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy U.S. Regional Final winner. Her triumph was sealed with a meticulously crafted dish of roasted squab, accompanied by chanterelle mushrooms, toasted buckwheat, black raspberry, and Swiss chard purées. This achievement not only highlights her exceptional culinary skill but also secures her position to represent the United States at the prestigious Grand Finale in Milan. The event showcased the diverse talents of ten promising chefs, who converged in New York City for a culinary showdown that celebrated innovation and dedication to the art of cooking.
Chef Grace Cacciato Secures U.S. Representation at S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Grand Finale
In a vibrant display of culinary prowess, Chef Grace Cacciato, representing the esteemed Michelin-starred restaurant Saga in New York, was named the victor of the 2026–2027 S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy U.S. Regional Final. The competition culminated on a Monday evening in the bustling Bon Appétit Test Kitchen in New York City, where ten talented chefs from across the nation vied for the coveted title. The winner was formally announced the following evening at a distinguished Gala & Awards ceremony. Cacciato's intricate dish, featuring roasted squab with chanterelle mushrooms, toasted buckwheat, black raspberry, and Swiss chard purées, captivated the judges with its complex flavors and sophisticated sauce work. Her mentor, executive chef Charlie Mitchell, lauded her innovative approach, while Cacciato herself expressed immense enthusiasm for the competition's esteemed reputation.
The judging panel comprised an impressive roster of culinary luminaries, including Nilou Motamed, a renowned culinary expert and Iron Chef judge. Judges included Chef E.J. Lagasse of Emeril's in New Orleans, Fariyal Abdullahi of Hav & Mar in New York City, Isabel Coss of Pascual and Lutèce in Washington, D.C., Jon Yao of Kato in Los Angeles, and Ryan Ratino of Bresca and Jônt in Washington, D.C. These esteemed figures meticulously evaluated each contestant's signature dish, which was prepared over a five-hour period. The competition also recognized other notable talents, with Chef Evan Neumann receiving the S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award for his sustainable practices, and Chef Natasha Daniels earning both the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award and the Fine Dining Lovers Award for her innovative, zero-waste, vegetable-forward approach.
The competition underscored the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy's core principles: Community, Competition, and Mentorship. Each participant had dedicated several months to refining their signature dish alongside a mentor, embodying the academy's mission to foster the next generation of culinary stars. Chef Cacciato will now embark on further preparations with her mentor, aiming to bring her distinctive culinary vision to the global stage at the 2027 Grand Finale in Milan.
This competition serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication, innovation, and passion that drives the culinary world forward. Witnessing these young chefs transform ingredients into narratives, drawing on their heritage, experiences, and mentors' wisdom, is truly inspiring. Chef Cacciato's victory, earned through precision and boldness, highlights the immense potential within the next generation of gastronomists. Her journey to Milan will undoubtedly be one to watch, as she carries not only her personal aspirations but also the culinary spirit of the United States. This event not only celebrates individual talent but also reinforces the vital role of mentorship and community in shaping the future of fine dining.
