New Orleans & Company Secures Prestigious International Culinary Competitions

Wednesday, Jun 05, 2024 0

Louisiana residents are invited to buy tickets to both events June 11-13 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

New Orleans & Company successfully secured the 2024 Americas Selection of Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup, which will be held June 11-13 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC). New Orleans is the first city in the United States to host this prominent international competition. We were selected as a world-class culinary destination that is Built to Host.

Bocuse d’Or is the most rigorous culinary competition in the world. It presents an opportunity to discover new generations of chefs keen to enhance their culinary heritage through their excellence, commitment, and technical skills. Both events are considered the “Olympics” of the culinary world.

“The Bocuse d’Or and the Bocuse family have a strong and personal connection to the United States. It was natural that the American selection of the Bocuse d’Or would end up settling down in the United States to welcome and represent all of the continent’s gastronomy, in a city that is representative of this American cultural diversity,” said Luc Dubanchet, Deputy Managing Director of GL Events Exhibitions. “Regarding the World Pastry Cup, the United States is one of the most important stages of the global pastry, at the origin of many desserts that have become world-renowned. Being able to count on the hospitality of New Orleans is an honour, but also a privilege as it is a genuine chance to highlight the rich culinary heritage of this fantastic region.”

The team at Sirha Food has partnered with several prominent New Orleans chefs to serve as advisors for the events. The official local chefs’ committee:

Alon Shaya
Nina Compton
Susan Spicer
Emeril/EJ Lagasse
Frank Brigtsen

“We’re so honored to welcome the esteemed members of Bocuse d’Or to our beautiful city. I know they will leave inspired by Louisiana’s unique culinary culture and I hope that they will tell all their friends to come enjoy it,” said Alon Shaya, Chef and Co-Founder of Pomegranate Hospitality. “It’s so important that we continue to nurture the next generation of talented chefs and create a space where they can express their deep passion for culinary arts.”

Culinary Competition Details

On Tuesday, June 11, six countries from North and South America will participate in the Americas selection of the Pastry World Cup. Participating countries include Argentina, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Mexico, and Paraguay. Each team, made up of one chocolate and one sugar candidate, will have 5 hours and 30 minutes to create 16 tasting desserts and two artistic pieces. The restaurant dessert jury members include:

Eunji Lee, Lysse NYC
Gustavo Saez, Gustavo Sáez Academy
Matthew Peters, the only American to win the Bocuse d’Or in 2017
Patrice Demers, Sabayon
Susan Spicer, Rosedale

The tasting jury members include judges from each of the countries participating. More information about the competition is available here. The top three will qualify for the Grand Finale during Sirha Lyon® in January 2025.

On Wednesday, June 12 and Thursday, June 13, the Bocuse d’Or Americas will take over the NOENMCC. The nine countries participating include Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Guatemala, Mexico, the United States, and Venezuela. The candidates must work with traditional Louisiana products, including whole shrimp, oysters, and lump crab meat on the same plate, accompanied by a sauce, and served warm or cold. The candidates will compete for five spots in the Grand Finale, with the following judges presiding:

Jeffrey Hayashi, President of the Jury and Bocuse d’Or Americans 2022
Gavin Kaysen, President of the Continental Organizing Committee
Emeril Lagasse, Honorary President
Mathew Peters, the only chef to judge both events

The Grand Finale is also scheduled for January 2025 in France, during the next Sirha Lyon®.

Securing this event is one of many New Orleans & Company strategies underway to drive tourism during the traditionally slower summer months.

“Events of this scale do not just happen. Our team at New Orleans & Company worked tirelessly to bring them to our city,” said Walt Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company.

“New Orleans is renowned as a city where champions of all kinds are crowned. Our city being the first in the United States to host these events is a testament to our place as a world-class culinary destination.”

Media Credential Information

Media credential applications are still open. More information is available on their website. Select the “Media” category and fill out the form. Once your registration is validated, you will receive your badge via email.

Public Registration Information

The Americas Selection of the Pastry World Cup is open to the public from 10 am to 7 pm on June 11. The Americas Selection of the Bocuse d’Or Americas is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 12 and 13. The competition begins at 9:30 a.m. on both days. To attend the Pastry World Cup or Bocuse d’Or, you must register as a visitor and purchase a ticket here. Tickets are $75 and include access to all three days of events. Several hotels are offering room blocks with special rates for Bocuse d’Or and The Pastry World Cup, including The Windsor Court, Loews New Orleans Hotel, Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, Hilton New Orleans Riverside, and Courtyard New Orleans Warehouse Arts District. Each of these hotels is conveniently located within walking distance of the competition and centrally located to several other attractions, restaurants, shopping, and more.