Aspiring young chefs are invited to apply to compete in four public competitions in October and November 2014

(New York, NY; July 28, 2014) – The ment’or BKB Foundation, formerly known as the Bocuse d’Or USA Foundation, unveils the first ment’or Young Chef Competition series. Now until September 4, 2014, young chefs ages 22-27 nationwide are encouraged to apply to compete in the rigorous two-hour cooking contest designed to recognize outstanding young professionals in America. Spearheaded by ment’or Board of Directors Jérôme Bocuse, Daniel Boulud, and Thomas Keller, and ment’or staff, the contests will take place in October and November 2014 in New Orleans, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York City. The first and second place winners in each city will receive a $15,000 and $10,000 award, in the form of three and two month stagiaires at some of the nation’s most well respected restaurants, to further their culinary studies.

“We have so many excellent young cooks in this country who are eager to learn, grow, and advance their careers, as well as cook on a national stage,” says Chef Boulud. “This competition is a celebration of the younger generation of aspiring, talented chefs. It doesn’t matter if you’re a self-taught line cook, a culinary school graduate, a second-career cook or came from another country. Let the best chef win!”

Consumers are invited to attend, watch the action, and enjoy food and wine served from each of the host venues. The competitions will face four young chefs against another, and challenge them to make dishes selected by the ment’or Board Member Chefs. Chefs will receive points based on Overall Taste (50%), Presentation (30%), and Kitchen Organization (20%). Each first place winner will receive a $15,000 award in the form of a three-month stagiaire at a renowned restaurant in the United States. Each second place winner will receive a $10,000 award in the form of a two-month stagiaire.

Competitors will be notified of their nomination by September 18, 2014. Competition dates include:

  • New Orleans – Sunday, October 19

  • Los Angeles – Thursday, October 30

  • Miami – Saturday, November 8

  • New York City – Saturday, November 15

Application details can be found on the ment’or website. For more information about the ment’or BKB Foundation, including chef interviews, news, and recipes, visit www.mentorbkb.org, or follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

About the ment’or BKB FoundationThe 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 nationwide who act as mentors for young chefs, serve in an advisory capacity to the organization, and participate in fundraising events. Educational grants and internships are offered to young professionals through the Grants Program. A series of Young Chef Competitions offer yet another opportunity for young professionals to further their careers in the culinary world. Ment’or is also responsible for recruiting, training, and financially supporting the promising young American chefs who compete on behalf of the United States in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or competition, held in Lyon France, every two years.

For media inquiries, or to arrange an interview, please contact Wagstaff Worldwide at 212.227.7575 or:
Juliana Pesavento, juliana@wagstaffworldwide.com
Heather Barbod, heather@wagstaffworldwide.com