Chefs Daniel Boulud, Remy the Rat and Paul Bocuse
Much ink has already been spilled about this year's Bocuse d'Or international cooking competition (with Thomas Keller in charge of the American team) but now things are getting serious. While the main competition in Lyons, France, doesn't happen until January, the U.S. "finals" take place on September 26th–27th, kicking off the 13th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. For this leg in the Bocuse, two teams of eight chefs – including Top Chef Season 3 winner Hung Huynh – cook for a panel of 15 and a stadium of spectators before being winnowed down to the final U.S. team. This is just one part of the two-day event that participants can enjoy for a mere $450 admission fee per person, with proceeds going to the U.S. team's nonprofit; there's also a grand four-course gala dinner as well as a plethora of international cuisines to taste around Epcot (for tickets, call 407-939-3378).
The Epcot festival continues through November 9th, with exhibits on international cuisines, wine walkabouts, an "international marketplace," in-depth conversations with chefs, and special dinners focusing on different international flavors. Costs vary, so check the schedule and prices if you plan on attending.