CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The Greenbrier's executive chef won a national culinary competition Sunday and will represent the United States at an international contest in France next year.

Richard Rosendale, 36, won the USA Finals Competition of the Bocuse d'Or, beating three other finalists, and will go on to compete in the International Bocuse D'Or, which will be held at the SIRHA International Hotel Catering and Food Trade Exhibition in Lyon Jan. 23, 2013.

During the competition Sunday, each of the USA finalists had five and half hours to prepare two protein platters -- one cod and one chicken -- as well as three intricate garnishes. The contest was held at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y.

As the winner of the competition, Rosendale will participate in an intensive yearlong training program to prepare for next year's international contest.

Rosendale, a native of Pennsylvania, has trained in Northern Italy, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Norway. He has earned over 45 national and international medals in culinary competitions. He has been the executive chef at The Greenbrier since September 2009.  In 2010, he attained the Certified Master Chef Title, which is the highest level of certification a chef can receive in the United States.