The search is on for the next generation of aspiring culinary stars. Over the next year, up-and-coming chefs around the world will be sharpening their knives and their kitchen skills in the hope of making it to the Grand Finale of the Young Chef 2018 competition in Italy.
This will be the third edition of the global contest sponsored by the Italian beverage brand S.Pellegrino. And while the final cook-off in Milan will not take place until June next year, the process of selecting and screening the candidates is already under way.
One thing is for sure: There will be a Japan representative among the 21 finalists — and that young chef will not go unprepared. He or she will be chosen and supported by four of Tokyo’s most dynamic culinary professionals. The panel of judges was introduced at a news conference held April 10 at the Italian Embassy in Tokyo.