Grace Cacciato wins 2026–2027 S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy U.S. Regional Final

Grace Cacciato, representing the Michelin-starred restaurant Saga in New York, won the 2026–2027 S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy U.S. Regional Final, Bon Appétit reported. She prepared a complex dish featuring roasted squab with chanterelle mushrooms, toasted buckwheat, black raspberry, and Swiss chard purées.

The competition took place at the Bon Appétit Test Kitchen in New York City, where ten emerging chefs had five hours to prepare their signature dishes. Judges praised Cacciato's sauce work and bold flavors, noting her dish had the most components among the competitors.

The event included a gala menu crafted by Garrett Brower, the 2024-25 U.S. winner and chef de cuisine at Bresca in Washington, D.C., alongside global mentor chef Aisha Ibrahim. Guests mingled over a reception featuring dishes like rye toast with Maryland blue crab and Kumamoto oysters in pani puri.

Mentor and Saga executive chef Charlie Mitchell highlighted Cacciato's inspiring perspective, and the competition was hosted by culinary expert Nilou Motamed. Judges included chefs from Emeril’s in New Orleans and Hav & Mar in New York City, among others.

This regional win advances Cacciato to the finale in Milan, marking an important step in her culinary career and showcasing emerging talent in the U.S. culinary scene.