The Grand Finale of the fifth edition of the world’s most thrilling young chef talent search – the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award 2023 – concluded on the 6th of October in Milan. After two long years of competition, a winner was announced out of the 15 promising finalists.
Nelson Freitas took home the prize, amazing the esteemed Grand Jury with his culinary refinement, exciting ingredient selection, and stunning plating. Consisting of world-renowned chefs Riccardo Camanini, Hélène Darroze, Vicky Lau, Pía León, and Nancy Silverton, the jury was well-placed to choose a winner from the contenders.
The brainchild of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award was first held in 2015 with the sole aim of fostering the future generation of chefs. Through its three principals: mentorship, education, and networking, it sets the top aspiring culinary talent up for success.
The competition welcomes talent from around the world (70 countries), ensuring equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, and background. As such, the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award Competition receives thousands of applications each year, inviting only the most promising to learn and network with the best names in the industry. A total of 166 chefs proceeded past the preliminary selections – a new record for the 2023 competition.
Finals took place in 15 regions, resulting in a winner for each region who paired off with a mentor for the Grand Finale. At this year’s S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award Grand Finale, the 15 finalists traveled to Milan for a two-day event. Consisting of the competition, a forum – headed up by past winners and notable chefs – and the awards ceremony, the competitors were treated to a lot more than an opportunity to showcase their skills.
S.Pellegrino and the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy thanked the attendees, judges, guests, and contestants, noting their important role in nurturing future culinary talent and gastronomic trends. Even though only one chef could take home 1st place, all won in the end, engaging in inspiring dialogue and idea exchanges, as well as cooking and tastings.S. Pellegrino, as well as its subsidiaries Acqua Panna and Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks, are renowned Italian mineral water, non-alcoholic aperitif, and drinks brands. Known globally for its quality range of drinks inspired by nature, health, and pleasure, S. Pellegrino is also committed to sustainability.
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