The eagerly anticipated cooking competition series, AMERICA’S CULINARY CUP, has announced that renowned chefs Michael Cimarusti and Wylie Dufresne will join Padma Lakshmi as judges. The show is set to premiere with a special 90-minute episode on March 4, 2024, airing on CBS at 21:30 ET/PT.
Hosted and executive produced by Lakshmi, this high-stakes culinary showdown will follow the popular program SURVIVOR 50. The competition aims to showcase America’s elite chefs, testing their skills against ten culinary commandments, which include meat, vegetables, sauces, and innovation. Contestants will be evaluated on taste, creativity, presentation, and technique as they strive for culinary excellence.
Cimarusti and Dufresne bring a wealth of experience to the judging panel. Cimarusti, a three Michelin-starred chef and sustainability advocate, is the executive chef and co-owner of Providence in Los Angeles. His expertise has earned Providence a prominent spot on the culinary map, having consistently held Michelin stars since 2008 and receiving the Michelin Green Star for sustainability.
Dufresne, known for his innovative approach to cooking, gained fame through his groundbreaking restaurant wd-50 in New York City. His imaginative techniques have redefined modern American cuisine, earning him numerous accolades, including a Michelin star and a James Beard Award for Best Chef New York.
The competition’s grand prize of $1 million marks a historic moment in culinary contests, setting a new benchmark in the industry. As the judges evaluate the chefs’ performances, they will determine who advances, who faces elimination, and who ultimately masters the commandments to win the coveted title of AMERICA’S CULINARY CUP.
The series, produced by Padma Lakshmi for Delicious Entertainment and Susan Rovner for Aha Studios, will feature additional guest judges and chefs, details of which will be announced in the coming weeks.
Fans of culinary arts and competitive cooking can look forward to an exciting blend of talent, creativity, and high-stakes challenges when AMERICA’S CULINARY CUP debuts on CBS and streams on Paramount+ for subscribers.
For more information about the series, visit the official CBS website.
