Chef Grace Cacciato Wins 2026-2027 S.Pellegrino Young Chef U.S. Final

Chef Grace Cacciato emerged victorious among nine culinary talents from across the nation during the competition held in New York City. A panel of judges chose her dish of roasted squab with chanterelle mushrooms, toasted buckwheat, black raspberry, and Swiss chard purées to win the U.S. Regional Final. With this victory, Cacciato secured her place to represent the United States at the upcoming Grand Finale in Milan. Her winning plate, representing the Michelin-starred restaurant Saga, impressed the judges with its bold flavors and intricate sauce work developed alongside her mentor, executive chef Charlie Mitchell.