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Milan Set to Host the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Grand Finale

As Milan prepares to welcome the biggest culinary event of the year, the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy is gearing up for its highly anticipated Grand Finale on October 28 and 29, 2025. Following a rigorous competition across 55 countries and 15 regions for over two years, this event will see the rise of a new culinary star in the global gastronomy scene.

This year’s theme, "Bring Your Future to the Table," challenges young chefs to not only display their culinary skills but also define their unique culinary voice, embodying their vision for a sustainable gastronomic future. The Grand Finale is a remarkable opportunity for the finalists to present innovative solutions that could potentially reshape the landscape of the food industry.

A prestigious Grand Jury composed of seven culinary icons will evaluate the 15 finalists. The jury includes renowned chefs such as Christophe Bacquié of Le Table des Amis, Jeremy Chan of Ikoyi, and Antonia Klugmann of L'Argine. Each juror emphasizes the importance of authenticity and creativity in the recipes presented. Bacquié reflects on the inherent magic that happens when chefs express their deepest beliefs through their dishes, suggesting that cooking transcends beyond mere skills and becomes a form of storytelling.

Niki Nakayama, another jury member, echoes this sentiment, stating that the competition illuminates the value of personal beliefs in cooking. "It's where the art of cooking transcends technique and becomes a powerful form of storytelling," she says. The jurors will consider how each dish encapsulates the future of gastronomy while evaluating creativity and technical prowess.

Mitsuharu Tsumura, acclaimed for his world-renowned restaurant Maido, reminds us that great cooking tells stories that connect with diners on a deeper level. The jurors argue that the future of the culinary industry lies in the hands of the next generation. Chan emphasizes the boundaries being pushed by these chefs, venturing into topics like sustainability and ethical sourcing that are not just food-centric but also socially conscious.

Moreover, the Grand Finale will showcase various collateral awards including the S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award and the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award, adding even more prestige to the event. This celebration aims to not only crown a winner but also promote inclusivity, mentorship, and the empowerment of young chefs on a global scale.

The competition also holds special significance for S.Pellegrino, as it emphasizes their commitment to fostering new talent and redefining the restaurant industry for a better future. As Reygadas, a jury member and chef-owner of Rosetta in Mexico City, states, S.Pellegrino’s efforts resonate deeply with her goals of promoting equal opportunities and supporting the next generation of culinary talent.

As we await the results from the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Grand Finale, we can certainly expect a breathtaking display of culinary innovations that encapsulate the spirit of the new generation of chefs. The winner will be announced during a grand gala dinner on October 29, marking a historic moment for the culinary arts and promising a thrilling future for the gastronomic world.

To explore more about the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy and its mission, you can visit their official website and witness the career-defining journey of these talented chefs as they shape the culinary landscape of tomorrow.

The culinary world is alive with anticipation as we explore what could be the next big breakthrough in the industry. Let's stay tuned for the exciting developments yet to arrive from Milan!