She will represent the United States at the 2027 Grand Finale in Milan, competing alongside some of the world’s most promising young chefs.

NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — S.Pellegrino® Young Chef Academy has named Grace Cacciato as the winner of the U.S. Regional Final of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2026-27, earning the opportunity to represent the region at the prestigious Grand Finale in Milan in 2027.

Held November 9-10 in New York City, the U.S. Regional Final brought together some of the region’s most exciting emerging culinary talent, with finalists presenting their signature dishes to an esteemed local jury of globally recognized chefs including chef and co-owner E.J. Lagasse of Emeril’s; Executive Chef Fariyal Abdullahi of Hav & Mar; Isabel Coss, executive chef at Pascual and executive pastry chef at Lutèce; Jon Yao, chef and owner at KATO; and Ryan Ratino, of MICHELIN-starred Hive Hospitality.

Following a day of competition held at the Bon Appétit Test Kitchen, Grace impressed the judges with her roasted squab with black raspberry, Swiss chard, toasted buckwheat, chanterelle mushrooms, and ginger sabayon, demonstrating her exceptional technical skill, creativity and a clear vision for the future of gastronomy.

“Winning the U.S. Regional Final is such an honor, especially after cooking alongside such a talented group of chefs,” said Cacciato. “Being a chef is about taking chances and continuing to push yourself. I hope other young chefs see this experience and feel encouraged to do that, too. I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned through the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy and from my mentor, Chef Charlie Mitchell, and I’m excited to continue developing my dish as I prepare for Milan.”

As U.S. Regional Winner, Grace now advances to the next stage of her journey through the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy. Ahead of the Grand Finale, she will receive continued mentorship from Ratino, who will provide guidance, support and expertise to help refine her signature dish, develop a culinary philosophy and prepare for the international stage.

“Grace has a strong point of view as a chef, and I’m excited to work with her to build on the creativity and technique behind her dish while staying true to the story she wants to tell,” said Ratino. “The most valuable part of mentorship is creating the space for a young chef to evolve their ideas and strengthen their own voice. I’m looking forward to supporting Grace through that process as she prepares for Milan.”

Two additional chefs were recognized at the U.S. Regional Final, winning collateral awards, and will have the chance to win respective global titles, also announced at the Grand Finale in 2027:

• S.PELLEGRINO FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD – Evan Neumann, for his signature dish, “From the Valley to the Shoreline: Wild Razor Clams, Napa Verjuice & Coastal Seaweeds”
  Recognizing chefs who demonstrate sustainable practices through their signature dish.
• ACQUA PANNA CONNECTION IN GASTRONOMY AWARD – Natasha Daniels, for her signature dish, “The Whole Bird, The Whole Garden”
  Recognizing chefs who successfully connect tradition with modernity through their culinary approach.
• FINE DINING LOVERS AWARD – Natasha Daniels, for her signature dish, “The Whole Bird, The Whole Garden”
  Recognizing the chef who best expresses their personal beliefs through their signature dish.

“S.Pellegrino has long been committed to supporting the culinary community and nurturing the next generation of culinary talent,” said Stefano Marini, President of Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages for the Americas. “S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy brings that commitment to life by giving emerging chefs the opportunity to develop their skills, learn from leading culinary voices and build meaningful connections across the global gastronomy community. We congratulate Grace and look forward to seeing her represent the United States at the Grand Finale in Milan.”

Hosted by culinary tastemaker Nilou Motamed, this year’s awards ceremony and gala dinner featured a collaborative menu crafted by 2024 U.S. Regional Winner Garrett Brower (chef de cuisine at MICHELIN-starred Bresca in Washington, D.C.) and his mentor Aisha Ibrahim (former executive chef at Canlis in Seattle). His involvement furthers the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy’s dedication to championing its global culinary family. In a first for the event, a limited number of tickets to the competition and gala were made available to consumers through an exclusive partnership with Resy.

To stay updated with announcements and news about the exciting initiative that aims to discover and nurture brilliant, boundary-pushing talents, visit sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com.

About S.Pellegrino® Young Chef Academy 
Gastronomy has the potential to transform society, shaping a more inclusive, more sustainable future. But doing so requires talent. That’s why S.Pellegrino has created S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, a platform to attract, connect and nurture the next generation of culinary talents. An environment that will empower them through education, mentoring and networking opportunities, as well as through the renowned global competition.

The Academy opens its doors to members from over 70 different countries, ensuring that talent is not constrained by geography, ethnicity or gender. This is a place where passionate young chefs interact with the most influential players in global gastronomy, and where together they cultivate an inspiring culinary community.

To discover more, visit: sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com.

About S.Pellegrino®
S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water is a premium sparkling mineral water that flows naturally from a thermal spring in San Pellegrino Terme, near Bergamo (Lombardia). S.Pellegrino has a unique balance of effervescence and minerality which cleanse the palate and amplify subtle flavors, making it the perfect complement to fine food and wines. Its clean, refreshing taste has distinguished S.Pellegrino as a preferred sparkling water by leaders of the global culinary community. In addition to founding the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, S.Pellegrino proudly supports a number of premiere culinary initiatives including The James Beard Foundation, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, The Culinary Institute of America, and the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.

Media Contact:
Erin Abney, Brand PR, S.Pellegrino – erin.abney@us.nestle.com

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SOURCE S.Pellegrino