In the wake of America’s Culinary Cup premiere on CBS—where elite U.S. chefs compete for $1 million—contestant Philip Tessier, a Bocuse d’Or veteran, contrasts TV formats with international competitions, reflects on leading PRESS Restaurant in Napa Valley, and stresses mentoring the next generation.
Following its March 4, 2026, debut on CBS (episodes Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT after Survivor 50, streaming on Paramount+), America’s Culinary Cup showcases technically sophisticated dishes judged on culinary commandments like innovation and sustainability, hosted by Padma Lakshmi with judges Michael Cimarusti and Wylie Dufresne.
Philip Tessier, who competed in the Bocuse d’Or and coached the U.S. team to its first gold medal, highlights key differences: “The Bocuse d'Or is an incredibly challenging competition... [full quote preserved]. In our final program, we featured 40 different recipes and utilized 130 ingredients, but throughout the training process, we developed over 100 recipes.”
Tessier joined the show to promote his work: “The main draw for me was the opportunity to tell our story about what we're doing to have an impact on the hospitality industry at both PRESS and Under-Study, and the chance to inspire other young chefs and reach a broader audience through the show.”
At PRESS Restaurant in Napa Valley, Tessier stepped in during a transition after founder Leslie Rudd's death. With partner Samantha Rudd, he has built a collaborative, ingredient-driven venue: “PRESS was undergoing a major transition when I took over... It's incredible to witness the progress we've made over the past six years, and yet it still feels like we are just getting started.”
Mentoring defines his approach: “Without mentorship, the knowledge, techniques, and understanding of the 'why' behind our actions will be lost. Our goal is to ensure that the next generation surpasses our own... [full quote].” He draws from early career advice to pursue excellence, fueling lifelong learning.
Tessier's perspectives enrich coverage of the series, featuring fellow stars like Bocuse d’Or medalists and James Beard winners.
