America’s Culinary Cup has announced that renowned chefs Michael Cimarusti and Wylie Dufresne will join Padma Lakshmi as judges on its highly anticipated cooking competition series. This new show promises to deliver a thrilling culinary experience, premiering with a special 90-minute episode on March 4, 2024, at 21:30 ET/PT on CBS.
The competition will feature elite chefs vying for the title and a substantial cash prize of $1 million. Contestants will be challenged to master the competition’s ten culinary commandments, which include meat, vegetables, sauces, desserts, innovation, flavors, sustainability, world cuisine, consistency, and culinary science and technology. Cimarusti and Dufresne will assess the chefs based on taste, creativity, presentation, and technique, determining who advances and who is eliminated.
Meet the Judges
Chef Michael Cimarusti, a three Michelin-starred chef and seafood expert, co-owns the acclaimed restaurant Providence in Los Angeles. With over three decades of culinary experience, Cimarusti has played a pivotal role in modern American seafood cuisine. His commitment to sustainability has earned his restaurant the Michelin Green Star, and in 2025, Providence will celebrate its 20th anniversary while maintaining its three Michelin stars, a testament to its excellence and innovation.
Wylie Dufresne gained fame for his inventive techniques at his former restaurant, wd-50, in New York City. With a career spanning three decades, Dufresne is known for transforming classic dishes through science-driven cooking. He has received numerous accolades, including a Michelin star and a James Beard Award for Best Chef New York. Dufresne continues to influence the culinary scene with ventures like Du’s Donuts and Coffee and Stretch, where he perfects New York-style pizza.
What to Expect from America’s Culinary Cup
Hosted and executive produced by Padma Lakshmi, an Emmy Award-nominated food expert, the series aims to capture the essence of culinary competition. As the judges evaluate each chef’s performance, viewers can anticipate an engaging showcase of culinary creativity and skill. Additional guest judges and chefs will be revealed in the coming weeks, further heightening the excitement surrounding the show.
The premiere episode will air following the popular reality series Survivor 50, bringing together a diverse audience of culinary enthusiasts and reality TV fans alike. Subscribers to Paramount+ will have the option to stream the episode live or on-demand, while those on the Paramount+ Essential plan can watch it the day after its initial airing.
America’s Culinary Cup represents a new chapter in culinary television, combining high-stakes competition with the art of cooking. As chefs prepare to face off in this ultimate culinary arena, the show promises to provide viewers with a captivating experience filled with innovation, passion, and, ultimately, the quest for culinary greatness.
