S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2016 Announces Mitch Lienhard Of Manresa As The U.S. Regional Competition Winner

STAMFORD, Conn., July 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water today announced that Mitch Lienhard of Manresa restaurant in Los Gatos, California has been named the winner of S.Pellegrino Young Chef U.S. regional competition. His winning dish was an inspired roast duck with spiced orange and yams. Chef Lienhard will advance to the Grande Finale competition in October in Milan alongside chef mentor Dominique Crenn.

The regional competition took place on July 26, 2016 at Astor Center in New York City where a jury composed of renowned chefs—including Dominique Crenn, of  Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, New York City-based chefs Emma Bengtsson of Aquavit, Bryce Shuman of Betony and Alex Stupak of Empellón, and the 2015 Young Chef U.S. finalist Vinson Petrillo of Zero George Street in Charleston, South Carolina. The chefs judged each of the semifinalist dishes based on the criteria of five "Golden Rules": ingredients, skills, genius, beauty and message. Chef Dominique Crenn will also serve as Lienhard's chef mentor throughout the remainder of the competition and accompany him to Milan.   

"I'm thrilled  to represent the United States at the Grand Finale in Milan," said Manresa Chef de Cuisine Mitch  Lienhard. "The competitors were world class and I'm honored to be selected by this esteemed panel of judges. I'm looking forward to working with and learning from Chef Dominique Crenn and to meeting the young chefs from around the world for the competition."

"The level of creativity and culinary expertise demonstrated by all chef competitors was inspiring," said Chef Dominique Crenn. "We were particularly impressed with Chef Liehnard who demonstrated the qualities necessary to stand out on a global stage. We feel confidently he will be a fantastic contender at the The S.Pellegrino 2016 Young Chef Grand Finale."

At the Young Chef Grand Finale, Chef Lienhard will join young chef finalists from 20 regions across the globe to present their signature dishes to a jury of seven distinguished international chefs, also known as the "Seven Sages," comprised of Chefs Carlo Cracco, Mauro Colagreco, David Higgs, Gaggan Anand, Elena Arzak, Wylie Dufresne and Roberta Sudbrack. The winning chef contestant will be named S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2016. 

Through this unique culinary competition S.Pellegrino is proud to support emerging young chefs and continue to encourage creativity and innovation within the culinary industry. 

To see the complete list of global chef finalists or for more information on the S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2016 Competition, visit: https://www.finedininglovers.com/

Be sure to follow the #SPYoungChef for up to date news and announcements on the competition. 

About S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral WaterThe signature taste of S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water is created during a 30-year journey through the Italian Alps, where the water is naturally filtered. S.Pellegrino cleanses the palate and amplifies subtle flavors, making it the perfect complement to fine food and wines. This clean, refreshing taste helped S.Pellegrino become a preferred sparkling water in fine-dining restaurants in the USA, and pairs well with any occasion.

S.Pellegrino is proud to support a number of top culinary events, such as The James Beard Foundation Rising Star Chef of the Year Award, S.Pellegrino Almost Famous Chef Competition, The World's 50 Best Restaurants list, Aspen Food and Wine Classic, Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation, and Identità Golose.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/SanPellegrinoUS or www.finedininglovers.com

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SOURCE S.Pellegrino