Ten of the most talented culinary rising stars will face off in Napa, in early March, during the 9th annual ‘S.Pellegrino® Almost Famous Chef®’ competition. A lineup of world famous chefs will converge to judge and mentor the student chefs from all over the U.S. and Canada during the three-day battle.

This year’s chef judges include Rick Moonen of rm Seafood. Rick has served as a judge for the past three years and acted as a mentor to the participating students. He currently employs a 2009 S.Pellegrino Almost Famous Chef alumnus at rm Seafood.Tony Mantuano of Spiaggia will also be judging the competition. Tony currently employs a 2010 alumnus at two of his Chicago-based restaurants.

The first competition of its kind, the S.Pellegrino Almost Famous Chef Competition serves as a platform for international culinary schools to showcase their students’ culinary expertise during a fast-paced, high-pressure cooking competition. Students have the rare opportunity to compete against one another in front of a panel of food media, distinguished guests and renowned chefs. The overall winner will take the title, up to $20,000 in prizes and a paid apprenticeship from one of the participating chef judges.

Ten regional winners will be flown to the finals event taking place March 11—14 at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in Napa Valley, Calif. They will compete in three categories: the Mystery Basket, Signature Dish and People’s Choice. The three days of competition are fierce, with the esteemed panel of judges evaluating competitors on every detail from the taste, texture and aroma of the dish, to their presentation, kitchen skills and the ability to perform under pressure.