A Look at the Top 10 Culinary School Chefs in North America, and the Dishes That Got Them There

For the last 11 years, S. Pellegrino Sparkling Water has hosted the Almost Famous Chef Competition, where dozens of the best culinary school chefs across the US and Canada compete for 10 coveted finalist spots and ultimately $20,000 and a one-year apprenticeship with a celebrity chef. To become a finalist and compete in Napa, CA for the top prize, the culinary school chefs must first compete in one of 10 regional ‘battle royale’ style competitions and present their cuisine to an independent panel of executive chefs and food media.

FOODBEAST not only had the chance to send two staff members to judge the West Regional competition in Hollywood, but we’ve also complied the 10 regional-winning chefs and the dishes that propelled them to the finals. Some of the dishes include a Chiptole Beer Braised Pork Belly, a contemporary twist to Chicken n’ Biscuits and Porcini Crusted Vegan Sweetbreads. Yes please, to all of that.

Check out the images below – and best of luck to the 10 finalists at the finals this weekend in Napa, CA. We’ll be there reporting live to showcase the winning chef and innovative cuisine. Which Chef would you vote for? Leave your opinion in the comments: