You probably have to be some sort of a foodie nerd to know what the Bocuse d’Or is, but trust me, it’s a big deal. The biennial chef competition aims to recognize the preeminent chef in the entire world through a two-day event in Lyon, France, that is often referred to as “the Olympics of food.” Teams of chefs prepare incredibly intricate presentations of elaborate dishes, competing as one of 24 teams representing their nations. Here’s an example of the beautifully detailed plating that the teams spend months practicing on
Perhaps the reason Bocuse d'Or isn't more widely known in the U.S. is that, frankly, we haven’t done too well in the competition in past years. France, basically the home team, has won six gold medals since the competition was first held in 1987. The U.S. team hadn't finished higher than sixth before 2015. That year, the U.S. team finished in second place, the first non-European team to ever take a place on the podium.(It's worth noting that internationally known American chefs Thomas Keller at Daniel Boulud had joined the team as advisers in 2008).
At the following edition in 2017, the U.S. shocked the world by winning the whole thing, with chef Mathew Peters (who had previously worked in Keller’s kitchen at Per Se in NYC) taking home the Bocuse d'Or trophy as the top overall chef. So believe me when I say that the contestants are at the absolute pinnacle of their culinary games.
That’s why it’s such a big deal that the organization that runs and supports the American team effort has chosen Nashville as the first stop on its “Road to Lyon” tour with a special event at the new JW Marriott on Saturday, Nov. 10. Chef Simon Bowker of the JW Marriott will act as host for a group of very accomplished chefs coming to town to raise awareness and money for the team as it prepares to defend its title next January.
One of the featured chefs will be quite familiar to longtime Nashville diners. Erik Anderson was one of the opening chefs at The Catbird Seat along with Josh Habiger, and now Anderson works at the respected San Francisco restaurant, Coi, which was also the home of the head chef of this year’s team, Matthew Kirkley. Anderson will be joined in the kitchen by other chefs including Brad Kilgore (Alter, Miami), Mathew Peters (Bocuse d’Or 2017 Gold Medalist), Rich Rosendale (Roots 657, Leesburg, Va.) and Philip Tessier (Bocuse d’Or 2015 Silver Medalist; Hestan).
Local chefs who also be pitching in to help out in the preparation of what should be a stunning meal. Participants include Matt Bolus (The 404 Kitchen), Gerard Craft (Niche Food Group), Andrew Little (Josephine) and Julia Sullivan (Henrietta Red). Since it’s a fundraiser, and considering the caliber of the chefs involved, it’s no surprise that this will be a pricey event, with tickets ranging from $300-$500 for the cocktail reception and seated five-course dinner. But it will also probably be a once-in-a-lifetime event that no respectable local foodie should miss out on. Here’s the schedule of the evening:
5 p.m. | VIP Caviar and Cocktails Special Cocktail Hour With Chef Meet-and-Greet
6 p.m. | General Admission Cocktail Hour
7 p.m. | Dinner Begins
10 p.m. | Dinner Concludes
Tickets will be limited, so this should also be an intimate occasion. If you want to be a part of it and help support the U.S. team’s efforts in the Bocuse d’Or, buy your tickets at the official event website. USA! USA!
