The 2023 USA National Final of the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs (JCR) Competition was held at Madison Area Technical College (MATC) in Madison, Wisconsin’s capital city.

The young chefs arrived early at MATC, a state-of-the-art facility for culinary programmes with the Jones Dairy Farm Kitchen. Stations were clearly identified for each competitor in the kitchen. Judges were ready to grade the creations of a three-course meal which the chefs prepared in three and a half hours from a mystery basket with other staples MATC provided.

Television screens were placed throughout MATC’s large, beautiful hall to live stream views from the kitchen where the competition was taking place. Cheering squads of supporters could watch the ongoing action whilst enjoying refreshments.

Representing their respective Provincial Bailliages, the eight chefs who competed were:
- Austin Adams - South Central
- Bryce Booth - Midwest
- Charles Carpenter - Far West
- Danika Holty - Pacific Northwest
- Fares Faila - Southeast
- Jedidiah Gaskin – Northeast
- Kenneth Wong – Hawaii/Pacific Islands
- Torian Jenkins - Southwest

The Judges were:

Kitchen Judges and Management
- Chef Mark Wright CEC, AAC - Kitchen Manager
- Chef Robert Philips CEC, CCA, HGT, AAC - Kitchen Supervisor
- Chef Alan L. Romano, CEC, CCE, AAC - Kitchen Judge
- Chef Gerald L. Ford, CMC - Kitchen Judge

Tasting Judges
- Chef Isaiah Simon
- Chef Jay Marshall CEC, AAC
- Chef John Coletta
- Chef Patrick Mitchell CEC, AAC, FWMCS
- Dr. Rick Lowry

Competitors and judges gathered in the main hall where all their dishes were displayed. Judges took turns to discuss with each contestant the strengths and weaknesses of their dishes. The most critical sector of the entire competition because from this feedback our young chefs learn how to perfect their skills for tomorrow. Everyone listened intensely. Both written notes and mental notes were taken.

During our Gala Dinner the eight competitors were inducted into the Chaîne as Rôtisseurs and the results were announced as follows:
- Winner - Jedidiah Gaskin (Northeast) who also won the “Best Dish” award
- Runner-up - Danika Holty (Pacific Northwest)
- Third Place - Torian Jenkins (Southwest)

Betty Sasenick
Chargée de Presse

Photos: David H. Ramsey and Betty Sasenick, Chargée de Presse