Team USA Captures Gold at the 2026 Bocuse d’Or Americas

By Elaine and Scott Harris

NEW ORLEANS — We were in New Orleans to see it happen, and it was worth every minute. On July 26, Team USA captured Gold at the 2026 Bocuse d’Or Americas, topping a field of eight countries from across North, Central, and South America after an intense five-and-a-half-hour competition. It is the fourth time Team USA has taken first place at the Bocuse d’Or Americas — and with the Gold comes the prize that matters most: a place at the Bocuse d’Or Grand Finale in Lyon, France, in January 2027.

Led by Head Chef Vincenzo Loseto and Commis Tyler Higson, with Head Coach Chef Mathew Peters and Jury Member Chef Robert Sulatycky, Team USA completed the competition’s two signature challenges, the platter theme and the theme on a plate.

The platter theme, a national tribute, required a composition featuring halibut fillet with a tomato and shrimp garnish, a sweet corn garnish, and a Sauce Choron. Team USA’s plate theme centered on a bone-in ribeye paired with brisket, sour cherries, sweet potato gnocchi, and Royal Kona coffee beans — ingredients chosen to honor the United States on every plate.

“This is an incredible honor, not just for Tyler and I, but for everyone who has believed in and supported this team,” said Head Chef Vincenzo Loseto. “Winning Gold at the Americas is an unforgettable moment and we are proud to represent the United States. Now we are focused on what it will take to compete at the Finals in Lyon.”

“This result is a testament to preparation, focus, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence,” said Chef Mathew Peters, Head Coach for Team USA and the first American chef to win Bocuse d’Or Gold in Lyon in 2017. “Chef Vincenzo and Commis Tyler executed with composure under immense pressure, and we are very proud of them.”

“Watching Team USA stand on top of the podium is incredibly meaningful because it reflects steadfast commitment, not only from Chefs Vincenzo and Commis Tyler, but from our coaches, mentors, supporters, and the entire Ment’or community,” said Young Yun, Executive Director of Ment’or. “This Gold medal represents the strength of American culinary talent and the collaborative spirit that defines Team USA. We are honored to return to Lyon and continue building on the legacy of excellence established by those who came before us.”

Team USA’s campaign was supported by Aquabest, Cooks Company Produce, Ecolab, Newport Meats, Paris Gourmet, Snake River Farms, Steelite, and The Chef’s Garden, alongside the extended community of mentors, sponsors, family members, and supporters who traveled to New Orleans to cheer the team on — a Bocuse d’Or medal, as Ment’or reminds us, is never won alone.

Now the Road to Lyon begins. The team’s focus turns to the Bocuse d’Or Grand Finale in January 2027, where they will represent the United States against the best culinary teams in the world. Having covered America’s Selection in New Orleans before, we can say there is nothing quite like watching an American team earn its shot at Lyon — and this team has the preparation, the composure, and the community behind it to make the trip count. Next stop: Lyon!