The Competition & Ment'or 18th Anniversary Dinner
The Men’tor Young Chef & Commis Competitions (YCC) return to Las Vegas on April 16, 2026, with two premier competitions designed to spotlight the next generation of American Culinary Talent.
In the Young Chef competition, candidates 28 years of age and younger select an assistant to train and compete alongside them. Young Chefs have 2 hours and 30 minutes to cook and plate a unique dish. The Commis competition is for cooks 21 years of age and younger. Each commis will have 90 minutes to showcase his or her technical skill and execution.
For the 2026 competition, finalists must create an original recipe featuring a signature protein from Snake River Farms. Judges will evaluate each team's/candidate's preparation of the selected protein, along with excellence in overall taste, presentation and kitchen organization.
Following the competitions, The Venetian Resort will host “Celebrating 18 Years of Ment’or,” an exclusive ticketed event at Thomas Keller’s acclaimed restaurant, Bouchon. A longtime supporter of Ment’or, The Venetian Resort has championed the organization’s efforts to educate and elevate emerging American culinary talent.
Hosts and Jury
The event will feature a distinguished group of culinary leaders, including Chefs Thomas Allan, Paul Bartolotta, Jérôme Bocuse, William Bradley, Gerard Craft, Maxime Delangle, Olivier Dubreuil, Steven Greene, Jeffery Hayashi, Gavin Kaysen, Thomas Keller, Timothy Hollingsworth, E.J. Lagasse, Alex Lee, Mawa McQueen, Kevin Meehan, Roland Passot, Mathew Peters, Melissa Rodriguez, Richard Rosendale, Dr. Tim Ryan, and Robert Sulatycky.
Prizes
First place winners in the Young Chef and Commis competitions earn the opportunity to travel to Lyon, France, where they will earn an opportunity to attend the prestigious Bocuse d’Or Finale, one of the most rigorous and celebrated culinary competitions in the world. Second place winners will be hosted at the Bocuse d’Or Americas Selection in New Orleans, July 2026. All travel, accommodations, and meals are provided for both experiences. Both first and second place winners also have the option to receive a cash prize instead.*
*Please note that Ment'or may issue IRS forms to prize winner if required by law.
