Joliet Junior College Culinary Instructor Tim Bucci recently made the first round tryouts to place on the U.S. Culinary Olympic team. If all goes well, he could soon be cooking for gold.

“As a member of the national team, it’s one of my greatest accomplishments as a chef," said Bucci. "You’re at the top of your game technically and professional. It would be one of my biggest achievements,” he said of his hopes to secure a spot on the USA Culinary Olympic team, which will participate in the 2012 Culinary World Cup.

Thirty-two national teams, as well as military regional teams and about 500 individuals, will compete in Luxurg, Germany, in 2012.

Last month, Bucci worked for 17 hours to prepare food at the preliminary rounds held at Elgin Community College. The competition, judged by a team of six master chefs, featured 28 competitors. Bucci was one of five competitors who earned gold medals.

Each chef, who was required to prepare a lobster and salmon platter for eight people, was judged on display and technical skill as well as taste, Bucci said.

After making it through the preliminary rounds, Bucci will be be prepping for the hot foods competition. If he places well at this competition, it could earn him a seat on the U.S. team.

In selecting team members, the judges are looking for specific characteristics.

“They’re looking at your skills and how you work with your apprentice," Bucci said. “They’re also looking at your personality. They want to see how you interact with the judges and other competitors, because you’ll be with your team for three years. They want to create a really cohesive team that works will together.”

If selected, members have to commit to about six weekends a year, but members will always be in a state of readiness, said Bucci.

A resident of Oak Forest, Bucci received an associate’s degree from Joliet Junior College and a bachelor of arts degree from Purdue University.

He said he began getting involved in culinary competitions about seven years ago.

“It started as a way to better myself and my skills so that I could give more to my students,” he said.

Olympic members don’t receive monetary rewards for their participation, but for the honor to participate, Bucci added.

Members of the USA team will be announced in April, after 15 chefs compete in the hot foods category. The final competition will be held once again at Elgin Community College.

Norway is currently the champion of the Culinary World Cup.