Bocuse d'Or Update: USA Semi-Finalists Announced

From the Mothership this morning: Officials from the Bocuse d'Or competition announced the eight semi-finalist teams from the United States. It's a diverse group geographically (California to Chicago to NYC) and in terms of background and experience (reality TV, culinary school instructors, sous and exec chefs), but we don't have a local contender so we we'll have to root for Team USA no matter who goes on to compete. The list: Top Chef winner Hung Huynh; French Culinary Institute instructor Rogers Powell; French Laundry sous chef, Timothy Hollingsworth; Rosendale's (Columbus, OH) chef/owner Richard Rosendale; Charlie Trotter chef de cuisine Michael Rotondo; Garces Restaurant Group culinary director Kevin Sbraga from Philadelphia; North Parks, CA exec chef Percy Whatley; and Craft corporate chef Damon Wise was selected but withdrew his app this morning.

In September, teams of two will compete against each other in Orlando to determine who will rep America in the Olympics of the food world. And remember, whichever team wins will take a three month break to train with Thomas Keller and USA team coach Rolando Henin in the specially designed cooking facility on the grounds of the French Laundry. Place your bets now.
· Eater Exclusive: New Bocuse d'Or Details Revealed [~ELA~]
· Bocuse d'Or USA Contenders Announced [ENY]