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The Countdown Begins for S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition

The annual S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition has reached its thrilling climax as anticipation grows for the grand finale set to occur on October 28-29, 2025, in Milan. This prestigious culinary event not only celebrates extraordinary young talents under 30 but also emphasizes the ability of these chefs to catalyze meaningful change through the art of gastronomy.

In the run-up to this exciting finale, 164 talented young chefs competed in regional rounds across 15 global regions, demonstrating their culinary skills, creativity, and unique visions. Each region identified a champion who will now vie for the coveted title in Milan, showcasing their signature dishes to a select jury of renowned chefs.

Celebrating Culinary Excellence

The event will feature 15 regional champions presenting their signature dishes to a distinguished jury that includes world-class chefs such as Christophe Bacquié, Jeremy Chan, and Antonia Klugmann. The judges will evaluate the dishes based on technical skill, creativity, and innovation, adding layers of excitement to this already prestigious competition.

One of the highlights of the finale will be the presentation of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award. Additionally, there will be several notable awards including the S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award and the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award. This year’s competition is particularly special as it reflects the academy's commitment to fostering emerging talent and shaping the future of gastronomy.

A Journey of Growth and Mentorship

An inspiring story that encapsulates the transformative power of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy is that of Nelson Freitas, the winner of the 2022-23 edition. Nelson's journey is documented in the film 'Afuera Hay Más - A Young Chef's Journey,' which chronicles how mentorship from esteemed chefs like Virgilio Martínez, Chef of Central (recently recognized as the World's Best Restaurant), helped propel his career.

The grand finale promises to be a celebration of culinary excellence, where the finalists will collaborate closely with their mentors, refining their recipes and enhancing their presentations for the competition.

Meet the Finalists

During the finale, each finalist will present their culinary creations:

• - Gabriela Sarmiento: “La Malquerida” for Latin America and the Caribbean.
• - Ben Miller: “Ode to Sam Yee” representing the United Kingdom.
• - Garrett Brower: “Quail Stuffed with Chesapeake Oysters” for the USA.
• - Antonis Avouri: “The Consequences of Our Actions” from France.
• - Kyongho Choi: “Bacon and Cabbage or Pork and Kimchi” from the Pacific region.
• - Victoria Rinsma: “Across the Sea and Home Again” for Canada.
• - Ya Min Liu: “Symphony of Layered Flavours” for mainland China.
• - Ardy Ferguson: “Archipelago Celebration” from Asia.
• - Noah Wynants: “Dutch Rendang” for Northern Europe.
• - José María Borrás: “Lobster and Balearic Suckling Pig” for the Iberian region.
• - Emilia Montz: “Russian Ballet” representing Germany and Austria.
• - Luckson Mare: “Duck, Sweet Potato, Matungulu” for the Middle East and South Asia.
• - Theo Kopp: an interpretation of “Potée Lorraine” from Western Europe.
• - Pablo Donadío Falcón: “Haiku to the Mountain” for Southeast Europe and the Mediterranean.
• - Edoardo Tizzanini: “An Artichoke Heart” representing Italy.

The full list of finalists and more information about the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition can be found at S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy. This event showcases not only the culinary prowess of young chefs but also their potential to inspire positive change through food, with S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna leading the charge in celebrating the essence of Italian food culture on a global stage.

Conclusion

As the world eagerly awaits the culmination of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition, it encapsulates the spirit of innovation and excellence in the culinary arts, signaling the dawn of promising careers for these remarkable young chefs. Stay tuned for an exciting showcase of talent and culinary artistry in Milan this fall!