Show 481, July 2, 2022: Team USA 2023 with Head Coach Chef Robert Sulatycky and Head Chef Jeffrey Hayashi

Robert Sulatycky, Head Coach of Team USA

“Since 2008 it has been a key mission for the Ment’or BKB Foundation based in New York to enable the best young talent in America to effectively train for the privilege and honor of representing the United States at the Bocuse d’Or in Lyon. The result of that patience and determination was realized for the first time in 2015 when Team USA stood on the podium with the Silver Bocuse, garnering the recognition and respect of the international culinary community. In January of 2017 Team USA returned from Lyon with the Bocuse d’Or, having realized Monsieur Paul Bocuse’s dream of USA winning Gold.”

“Team USA is chosen through a national selection process that mimics the format and atmosphere of the competition that is held in Lyon biennially. Chefs from around the country apply to compete in the Team USA National Selection Event.”

Jeffrey Hayashi is the head chef for the 2021 Bocuse D'Or

Team USA 2023 includes Head Chef Jeffrey Hayashi and Commis Franco Fugel. The Head Coach is Bocuse d’Or veteran, Chef Robert Sulatycky.

The next stop for Team USA on the long road to Lyon in January is the Bocuse d’Or Americas competition in Santiago, Chile on July 14th, representing all the countries of the American continent. Eight teams will be vying for the five places to advance to the Grand Finale in Lyon.

If Team USA advances from Santiago (nothing is for-sure) then in January 2023, Team USA travels to Lyon, France to compete in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or competition, fighting for a spot on the podium and the world’s culinary stage.

Taking a short break to join us from the intensive on-going practice sessions at the Ment’or Training Kitchen at the Copia Campus in Napa of the Culinary Institute of America are Team USA’s Head Coach Robert Sulatycky and Head Chef Jeffrey Hayashi.