Five finalists chosen for U.S. National Chocolate Masters

Barry Callebaut to host competition Jan. 11-12, winner to go to World Chocolate Masters

Pastry Chef Veronique Rousseau competiting in the 2011 U.S. National Chocolate Masters. Photo provided by Barry Callebaut.

Five pastry chefs have been chosen to compete for the coveted title of U.S. National Chocolate Master, and the winner will go on to represent the United States in the 2013 World Chocolate Master Finals.

They include:

► Jove Hubbard, Executive Pastry Chef, The James Hotel, Chicago.
► Todd Owen, Executive Pastry Chef, Old Edwards Inn and Spa, Highlands, N.C.
► James Satterwhite, Executive Pastry Chef, Charlotte Country Club, Charlotte, N.C.·
► Evan Sheridan, Chef de Tournant, University Club of Chicago, Chicago.
► Jean-Francois Suteau, Executive Pastry Chef, The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.

In the U.S. final, contestants will create a chocolate showpiece, a moulded praline / moulded bonbon, a gastronomic chocolate dessert and their own interpretation of the classic American pastry, the donut. And each piece will have to relate to the theme, “Architecture of Taste.”

A professional jury will evaluate the creations, based on criteria such as artistry, taste and technical skills.

The competition will be held at the Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy in Chicago, Jan. 11-12, and will be hosted by Barry Callebaut’s gourmet chocolate brands Cacao Barry, Callebaut and Carma.

The U.S. titleholder will go on to compete against top culinary artisans from 18 countries in the 2013 World Chocolate Master Finals, an initiative of Barry Callebaut. World Chocolate Masters is in its 5th edition and is the only global culinary competition dedicated to the art of chocolate.

Crystal Lindell, Former editor-in-chief of Candy Industry Magazine. While here she has worked on Candy Industry Magazine, Food Engineering Magazine and Food Safety Strategies. She holds a master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois – Springfield and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Illinois University. And her favorite breakfast is a cup of espresso and Twix bar.