Pierre Olivier Pelletier has been named Best Young Chef in Canada following a tough regional final of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy 2022-23, and will proceed to the international Grand Finale in Milan next year.
The young chef/owner of Kebec Club Privé, in Quebec, presented his signature dish of 'young aged and smoked duck', an ode to his parents, to a local chef jury - Christine Cushing, Patrick Kriss,and Suzanne Barr - which was enough to secure his victory ahead of nine other young hopefuls.
Pelletier has big professional dreams for the future, including making Canadian fine-dining recognised around the world, securing a place for his restaurant in The World's 50 Best Restaurants list, and winning the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition, which is now within reach.
Three other young chefs were also recognised with collateral awards for their impressive dishes and culinary approaches, and will now go on to compete for the global prizes.
Samy Benabed from Quebec won theFine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award, voted for by the online community, with his dish 'Poule de Soie Ti-coq'. He dreams of a time in which gastronomy and chefs will be part of the solution to the biggest challenges facing the world.
Ben Miller won the Acqua Panna Award for Connection in Gastronomy with his vegetable-forward signature dish, 'Fallon's Mane'. While he is a strong proponent of vegan diets and hopes to one day have a restaurant starring vegetables. He also dreams of implementing a sustainable tracking system for cattle.
Kali Fawcett was awarded the S.Pellegrino Award for Social Responsibility for her dish 'Love Amongst the Lovage', in homage to her mother and her formative time in Italy, which changed her approach to food forever.
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the S.Pellegrino documentary Afuera Hay Más—A Young Chef’s Journey and discover the thoughts and memories Nelson Freitas will always carry with him.
Have your say: vote for the chef who best represents their personal beliefs with a signature dish to win the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award.
These are the chefs who will crown the best young chef in the USA. Plus, find out how to apply for S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25.
Looking for new dessert ideas? Try this easy grape cake recipe: learn how to make a soft white grape cake, perfect for your Autumn meals and breakfasts.