S.Pellegrino Cooking Cup 2014 To Set Sail in Venice

Ten chefs from all over the world will convene in Venice to face off in the S.Pellegrino Cooking Cup 2014. This one-of-a-kind regatta features two competitions in one: as sailors and skippers race to make the best time, the chefs cook below deck to create a dish that will impress a panel of judges.

The 14 annual S.Pellegrino Cooking Cup, which is organized together with the historic Venetian yacht club Compagnia della Vela,  will take place on the between the scenic Lido of Venice and San Giorgio Island from 13th to 14th of June. This year's lineup includes chefs from Israel, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Russia, Belgium, Australia, Germany, Korea, United States and Canada.

The chefs will compete for the Acqua Panna & S.Pellegrino Young Chef of the Year 2014 Award, which last year went to chef Paul Qui from Austin, Texas. In addition to being the reigning champ, Qui will serve as a judge during this year's competition. Renown chefs Gaston Acurio from Peru and Helena Rizzo from Brazil will also serve on the eight-person judging panel.

Other judges include Swiss chef Andreas Caminada (three Michelin stars); Umberto Bombana, from 8½ Otto e Mezzo Restaurant in Hong Kong; Ivan Li, this year was honoured with Asia's 50 Best Lifetime Achievement Award; Davide Scabin, from two Michelin-starred Combal.Zero; and Giacomo Missoni, third generation of the famous Italian fashion company Missoni, whose Timoteo hosted the Jury right from the very first edition of the S.Pellegrino Cooking Cup. The Jury will be coordinated by Francesca Barberini, television presenter and food writer, while Charles Reed, group managing director of The World’s 50 best academy, will be the President.

The chefs will also compete for the People's Choice Award and the first-ever Critics Choice Award, both sponsored by Acqua Panna. The winners will be announced during a Gala dinner and ceremony at the grand Palazzo Ducale in Venice on the final evening of the event.

In anticipation of the big day, FDL will bring you exclusive interviews with participating chefs so stay tuned for more.

WATCH: Meet Paul Qui - The Winner of the S.Pellegrino Cooking Cup 2013

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