MENT’OR ANNOUNCES TEAM USA FOR BOCUSE D’OR 2027
Chef Vincenzo Loseto to Represent America at the World’s Most Prestigious Culinary Competition
Napa, CA | January 25, 2026 – Ment’or is proud to announce that Head Chef Vincenzo Loseto alongside Commis Tyler Higson, has been selected to represent the United States as the official Team USA candidate for the 2027 Bocuse d’Or. The unveiling of Team USA 2027 took place at a commemorative ceremony on January 25th at The Culinary Institute of America at Copia. This special event highlighted two decades of Team USA Head Chefs from 2007 to 2025 to showcase the mark they have each made in our culinary history.
Reflecting on the impact these chefs have made, Ment’or President Chef Thomas Keller shared “Ment’or was built on a promise to honor Chef Paul Bocuse’s vision and to develop a way for American chefs to succeed at the highest level. With each new team, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before, and we look forward to continuing this work together.”
Chef Loseto and Commis Higson will begin an intensive period of preparation this Spring for the 2026 Bocuse d’Or Americas Selection, the qualifying round that determines the finalists for the 2027 Bocuse d’Or in Lyon, France.
"This opportunity represents both an honor and a responsibility,” said Chef Loseto. “To be entrusted with representing the United States and carrying forward the legacy of Team USA is deeply meaningful. I am grateful to Ment’or for their belief and support, and I look forward to the work ahead.”
“Each new team reflects the strength of Ment’or’s mission and the future of American chefs on the global stage,” said Chef Gavin Kaysen, Team USA President. “We are proud to stand behind Chef Loseto and Commis Higson as they begin their Road to Lyon.
This marks a significant milestone in Ment’or’s ongoing mission to identify, mentor, and support the nation’s most promising chefs as they prepare to compete on the world stage in Lyon, France.
The Team USA 2027 National Selection was made possible by the help of generous sponsors: Aqua Best, Bouchon Bistro, CIA At Copia, Ecolab, Equator Coffee, Everyday Uniforms, Hestan, Paris Gourmet
Follow our updates and news on Instagram, Facebook and X @mentorbkb as we travel on our “Road to Lyon”!
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Ment’or Media Contact:
Jaimie Chew, Director of Communications and Events
jaimie.chew@mentorbkb.org
About Ment’or:
Ment’or is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation that aims to educate and inspire excellence in young culinary professionals by championing the diversity and creativity of the traditions and quality of cuisine in America. Ment’or is led by founders Chefs Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller, Jérôme Bocuse and Gavin Kaysen as well as an esteemed Culinary Council of over sixty renowned chefs. Educational grants and internship opportunities are offered to culinary professionals through the Ment'or Grant Program for Continuing Education, which has awarded over $2 million in grants since 2014 to young chefs all across the U.S. The Young Chef and Commis Competition series offer yet another opportunity for them to further their careers. Additionally, the organization established the Ment'or Giving Fund to help support those who are the backbone of the restaurant profession in times of crisis. Ment’or is also responsible for recruiting, training, and funding the promising young American chefs who represent Team USA in the prestigious biennial Bocuse d’Or competition, held in Lyon, France