The winner of America Regional competition is Rene Hernandes！

The America Regional competition was held on Monday, December 4, 2023, at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York. Six competitors who passed the screening assignments completed their skills.

Finally, Rene Hernandes from Mexico won the competition.

Chef Kotani, Chef Abe along with journalist Katayama based in New York, served as judges, commenting on each participant and expressing their hopes for their future success.
Chef Abe spoke about the importance of the combination of the five flavors (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami) in every dish, as they are all combined in a single dish, so it is important to create a balance with the eater in mind.

Judges

Kotani Shuichi

Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador

Director of The Japanese Culinary Academy, New York Office

Abe Hiroki

Former head chef of 「kajitsu（嘉日）」

Akiko Katayama

Journalist

Board Member of New York Japanese Culinary Academy

Top  Competitors

First Place　Rene Hernandes
　　　 （United Mexican States、Katsuya Group（The United States of America））

Second Place　Desmond Yu Wai Chow
　　　  （The United States of America、Fusion Kitchen）

Third Place　Andrew Bush 
      　（United Kingdom、Burgerfi kitchen（The United States of America））

Competitors

Brenton Combs
（The United States of America 、Private Chef）

Dick Kowalczyk　
（The United States of America、Private Chef）

Ruben Pantaleon
（The Kingdom of Spain、Nineteen Hyaku（The United States of America））

Highlights