The eight semifinalists who will compete for the coveted chance to represent America at the culinary Olympics, the Bocuse d'Or, have been announced. Among them are Top Chef Season 3 winner Hung Huynh. It's no surprise that Hung was chosen for the competition, when I spoke with him at the Food and Wine Classic, he mentioned his desire to participate. Hung and the other seven candidates were selected from 150 applicants by an advisory board that included Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller, and Tom Colicchio. The semifinalists will face off in a culinary challenge on September 26 and 27 in Epcot Center. The final two will be trained personally by Thomas Keller and will represent America in the finals. To find out who the other competitors are, read more.

Damon Wise, corporate chef at Craft, withdrew his name*
Tim Hollingsworth, sous-chef at French Laundry
Rogers Powell, instructor at French Culinary Institute
Richard Rosendale of Rosendales in Ohio; USA Culinary Olympic team captain
Michael Rotondo, chef de cuisine at Charlie Trotter’s
Kevin Sbraga, culinary director of Garces Restaurant Group
Percy Whatley, Delaware North Parks exec chef

*Update: Damon Wise has been replaced with John Rellah Jr., executive chef at Hamilton Farm in Gladstone, New Jersey.

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