Since 2008 it has been a key mission for the Foundation to enable the best young talent in America to effectively train for the privilege and honor of representing the United States at the Bocuse d’Or in Lyon. The result of that patience and determination was realized for the first time in 2015 when Team USA stood on the podium with the Silver Bocuse, garnering the recognition and respect of the international culinary community. In January of 2017 we were proud to return from Lyon with the Bocuse d’Or, having realized Monsieur Paul Bocuse’s dream of USA winning Gold.
Team USA is chosen through a national selection process that mimics the format and atmosphere of the competition that is held in Lyon biennially. Chefs from around the country apply to compete in the Team USA National Selection Event.
The Team USA 2025 National Selection was held in September 2023 at The Culinary Institute of America at Copia campus in Napa, California with Chef Stefani De Palma and Commis Bradley Waddle winning First Place. Next, they will be representing the United States at the 2024 Bocuse d'Or Americas competition which will be held in New Orleans in June 2024.
After this qualifying selection, the team trains full time in Napa, California during the course of a year, guided by a head coach, assistant coaches, advisors, and a designer. Throughout their training, the team receives feedback from their advisors and the Board via various tastings and coaching sessions.
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See below to learn more about the Bocuse d'Or and Team USA Past and Present
