Left to Right: G. Ford, B. Lockwood, A. McIntosh, M. Peters
Four chefs compete for the opportunity to represent the United States in the most prestigious cooking competition in the world: The 2017 Bocuse d’Or
(New York, NY; September 9, 2015) – After the United States won Silver at the 2015 Bocuse d’Or, ment’or, the Foundation behind Team USA, is already on the search for the next duo to lead the United States to Gold. Four highly skilled candidates have been selected from a talented pool of applicants to compete for the title of Team USA.
We are pleased to announce the four candidates:
Gerald Ford, Executive Sous Chef, Westchester Country Club, NY
Brian Lockwood, Chef de Cuisine, The NoMad, NY
Angus McIntosh, Sous Chef, The Broadmoor, CO
Mathew Peters, Executive Sous Chef, Per Se, NY
On December 17, 2015, these candidates will face each other in a rigorous daylong event that mimics the actual Bocuse d’Or competition. A panel of esteemed chefs will be judging each candidate’s final meat presentation and fish dish. One team will be chosen to represent the United States at the 2017 Bocuse d’Or biennial competition in Lyon, France.
Coaching this year’s TEAM USA will be reigning Silver Award winner Chef Philip Tessier.
He says of the Bocuse d’Or, “Two years ago I knew the Bocuse d’Or, as a prestigious and incredibly intense culinary competition but today, I know the Bocuse d’Or as a journey of discovery and dedication, risk and reward. We are extremely pleased with the level of talent represented in our candidates this year and await the US Selection with great anticipation. With increased awareness, mentorship and collaboration, we are confident that we, the United States, can continue to impress the international culinary world at the Bocuse d’Or.”
Gavin Kaysen, Tessier’s own coach and mentor, will be returning to assist his protégé and the new team in order to lend his expertise in an advisory capacity.
“I have been lucky enough to see the significance of the Bocuse d’Or from the perspective of a competitor and as a coach. Every time I am there, the sight of the global chef community convening in one setting to celebrate the pursuit of culinary excellence is humbling.” says Chef Gavin Kaysen, Vice President of Team USA.
Men’tor provides the best young chefs in America with the necessary tools and financial resources that enable them to effectively train for the honor to represent the United States.
Executive Director, Young Yun says, “After witnessing such a historic culinary moment for the United States at the 2015 Bocuse d’Or, we are honored to showcase and celebrate culinary excellence at its finest. These four candidates have a unique opportunity to be mentored by some of the best chefs in America. We want to continue fostering the spirit of camaraderie that the Bocuse d’Or brings.”
For more information about Team USA or the Foundation, visit www.mentorbkb.org, or follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
About ment’or
The ment’or BKB Foundation is a nonprofit organization that aims to inspire excellence in young culinary professionals and preserve the traditions and quality of classic cuisine in America. Ment’or is led by a Board of Directors including Chefs Jérôme Bocuse, Daniel Boulud, and Thomas Keller, as well as an esteemed Culinary Council of over forty renowned chefs.
For media inquiries, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Jaimie Chew
Director of Communications & Events
646-519-7111
Jaimie.chew@mentorbkb.org
