Chef Michael Dengelegi Is Victorious in New York At The 2015 ment’or Young Chef Competition Series

The New York event of the ment’or BKB Foundation Young Chef Competition Series was hosted at Lincoln Ristorante with an elegant weekend brunch during which guests watched the competitors and were spoiled with delectable dishes and paired wines from The Spire Collection. Host Chef Daniel Boulud and esteemed Chef/Judges Jonathan Benno (Lincoln Ristorante), Scott Conant (SCM Hospitality), Shaun Hergatt (Juni), Eli Kaimeh (Per Se), Barbara Lynch (Menton, MA), Adam Nadel (Lincoln Ristorante) and Bill Telepan (Telepan) were on hand to judge the competitors’ final results.

Chef Philip Tessier lent his creative narrative to the competitors in the kitchen throughout the process after which each Chef Competitor and Commis presented their dish in front of the entire audience.

Chef Michael Dengelegi (Bouchon, Yountville, CA) along with Commis Kati Tennant won first place, a $10,000 cash prize and opportunity to stagier at the restaurant of his choice anywhere in the world. His winning dish:
Rouelle of D’Artagnan Rohan Duck: Duck Leg Pave, Foie Gras Cromesquis, Jacobsen’s Farms Fig Farcie, Sauerkraut Marmalade, and Chanterelle Mushrooms with Spiced Duck Jus

Chef Corey Siegel along with Commis Kyle Muller won second prize, a $5,000 cash prize and opportunity to stagier at the restaurant of his choice anywhere in the world. His winning dish: 
Mustard Glazed Rohan Duck Breast, Foie “Pot Pie” Fritter, Duck Skin and Potato Crumble, Sweet Corn, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Celery Root Puree, Brussels Sprouts, Cognac Jus

The competing chefs are scored on excellence in overall taste (50 points), presentation (30 points) and kitchen organization (20 points). Competitors had a total of 2 hours and 35 minutes of cook time, followed by 3 minutes to plate their dishes. Points are deducted if the teams go over their allotted time span.

The 2015 Young Chef Competition Series is made possible by our generous and supportive partners, The Michael & Nancy Burgermeister Family Fund, All-Clad, Bragard USA, D’Artagnan, The Chef’s Garden, Invest Hospitality, Lincoln Ristorante, Nespresso, Nordaq Fresh, Paris Gourmet, The Spire Collection , Steelite International , Williams Sonoma, Wyndham.