America Gets Sixth

With high hopes, and Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, and even Paul Bocuse himself rooting for him, Timothy Hollingsworth came in a disappointing sixth place in the Bocuse d'Or today.

Hollingsworth, a sous chef at Keller's The French Laundry, had been training since October at a facility next door to the Yountville, California restaurant. Keller had raised over half a million dollars to support the American team, in the hopes that this year would be the year they placed better than sixth. Sadly it was not.

Norway took home top honors, while Sweden took the silver, and France the bronze. This marks the fourth time Norway has won the event since it started in 1987. The silver-winning Swedish chef, Jonas Lundgren, previously worked at The French Laundry. France's bronze medal is consider a major disappointment for a team that has won the top prize six times previously. French chef Philippe Mille took his fish out a minute too late and lost major points for it being overcooked.

In interviews following the competition, Hollingworth seemed fairly upbeat. "It was an amazing experience with amazing camaraderie," he said, "The support I had was truly extraordinary and I hope the friendships I made will last forever." He noted that fish was difficult to plate and he had some trouble working with the servers, whom had a different plating system than he was used to. 

Oh well America, there's always 2011. Until then, try re-watching Michael Phelps win one of his gold metals while eating classic French cuisine.

[Diner's Journal]