Grace Cacciato Emerges Victorious in the U.S. S.Pellegrino Young Chef Competition 2026-27

Grace Cacciato Shines in the U.S. S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition

On November 12, 2026, in the bustling heart of New York City, Grace Cacciato demonstrated her exceptional culinary prowess by winning the U.S. Regional Final of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition for 2026-27. This prestigious competition gathered some of the most promising young chefs from across the country, who presented their innovative dishes to a panel of esteemed judges. Grace's outstanding roasted squab, paired with black raspberry, Swiss chard, toasted buckwheat, chanterelle mushrooms, and ginger sabayon, resonated beautifully with the judges, securing her place as the U.S. representative for the upcoming Grand Finale in Milan in 2027.

Cacciato’s preparation took place over two exhilarating days, from November 9-10, where she competed in the Bon Appétit Test Kitchen. The judging panel, consisting of renowned figures like E.J. Lagasse, Fariyal Abdullahi, Isabel Coss, Jon Yao, and Ryan Ratino, affirmed her creativity and technical skills that sets her apart in the culinary world. Grace expressed her gratitude, stating, "Winning the U.S. Regional Final is such an honor, especially after cooking alongside such a talented group of chefs. As chefs, we must continuously take risks and push ourselves. I hope other young chefs see this experience and feel encouraged to do that, too."

As the U.S. Regional Winner, Grace will receive continued mentorship from Ryan Ratino, who is enthusiastic about refining her dish and helping her carve out a culinary philosophy leading up to the Grand Finale in Milan. "Grace possesses a strong perspective as a chef, and I anticipate collaborating with her to enhance the creativity and technique behind her dish while remaining true to her culinary narrative," Ratino remarked. The mentorship will not only focus on technical skills but also on her individual culinary voice, fostering an environment for growth and exploration.

In addition to Grace, two others were recognized for their exceptional contributions. Evan Neumann received the S.Pellegrino for Social Responsibility Award, while Natasha Daniels won both the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award and the Fine Dining Lovers Award for her signature dish, “The Whole Bird, The Whole Garden,” which showcased her ability to blend tradition with modern elements in the culinary arts.

Stefano Marini, President of Nestlé Waters Premium Beverages for the Americas, highlighted S.Pellegrino's commitment to supporting the culinary community, stating, "S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy embodies our commitment to nurturing emerging culinary talents by empowering them with skills through education, mentoring, and networking opportunities, alongside a competitive platform. We are proud of Grace's accomplishment and excited to see her represent the U.S. in Milan."

The awards ceremony was a glamorous affair hosted by culinary tastemaker Nilou Motamed, where a collaborative menu curated by the previous year’s regional winner, Garrett Brower, alongside mentor Aisha Ibrahim, delighted attendees. In an innovative move, tickets for the event were also available to consumers, allowing culinary enthusiasts to engage more directly with emerging talent.

For those eager to keep up with progress and announcements from the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, further information can be accessed at their official website, fostering a platform aimed specifically at discovering and nurturing bright culinary talents.

The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, with its mission to empower the next generation of chefs, reflects the ongoing evolution within gastronomy, connecting talents from over 70 countries in a supportive and inclusive environment. S.Pellegrino, known for its exceptional mineral water, continues to play a vital role in the culinary world, supporting various initiatives that elevate the standards of gastronomy and foster innovation.

As preparations for the Grand Finale unfold, all eyes will be on Grace Cacciato, whose journey exemplifies the essence of passion, commitment, and creativity in the culinary arts.