What are the eligibility requirements?

  • Commis applicants must be 21 years or younger at the time of the competition (currently scheduled for December 12, 2018). No previous work experience is required.
  • All applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Can I compete as an assistant for the Young Chef Competition and also the Commis Competition?

  • Candidates selected for the Commis Competition cannot participate as an assistant for the Young Chef Competition.

What does the application process entail?

  • Applicants must submit a resume, two letters of recommendation, and essay questions describing their career aspirations and why they would like to participate in the competition. Applicants will also be asked to attach a high-resolution headshot in a chef jacket, copy of proof of US citizenship (e.g. birth certificate or passport), and the Candidate Pledge Form with signature.

What are the prizes?

  • The Foundation’s goal is to continue to build our legacy and to introduce more aspiring young cooks to the Bocuse d’Or. Winners will have a choice of traveling to Lyon, France for the 2019 Bocuse d’Or Finale or a cash prize.

Who will be judging the competitors?

  • Ment’or is supported by a Culinary Council that is comprised of some of the country’s most well-respected chefs. A panel of judges drawn from this Council will serve as officials at the competition.

What is the timeline for the competition series?

  • June 19, 2018: Applications open
  • August 6, 2018: Application deadline
  • The Week of September 9, 2018: Announce finalists & proteins/ ingredients
  • December 12, 2018: Competition Day

Note: competition date subject to change based on host location availability

Should I be selected to participate, what should I be prepared to cook during the competition?

  • Commis competitors will each receive the same protein and ingredients, selected by ment’or, for their dish. Each candidate will have 90 minutes to cook and plate 10 tasting-size portions of the dish.
  • Selected candidates will be paired with mentors from the Foundation’s Culinary Council or previous Bocuse d’Or Team USA representatives, to provide guidance during their training for the competition. Each Commis candidate will receive a $500 training stipend, to use for practice ingredients. Competitors will also receive 1-2 practice pieces of the protein, to be provided by the protein sponsor.

If I win, and do not want to/am unable to travel to Lyon, France for the Bocuse d’Or Finale, what can I use the prize money for?

  • It is up to the winner to determine how he/she would like to use the prize money.

Can I apply for other programs within ment’or (such as the Grant Program for Continuing Education) if I’m selected for the Commis Competition Series?

  • Yes, Commis Competition applicants are eligible to apply for other programs developed by ment’or, including the Grant Program.