It was a full Nordic podium at Bocuse d’Or 2019 with team Denmark with chef Kenneth Toft-Hansen awarded gold, followed by Sweden with chef Sebastian Gibrand taking silver, and Norway with former S.Pellegrino Young Chef competitor Christian André Pettersen sweeping up bronze.
S.Pellegrino was official partner at the prestigious event, with correspondents from Fine Dining Lovers, the web editorial sponsored by S.Pellegrino on the ground and back stage to report all the happenings of the two days of the competition that occurred 29-30 January.
The competition featured 24 different chefs from 24 different countries compete around two different themes: plate and platter. The 2019 event challenged chefs to prepare chartreuse using 50 percent seafood and 50 percent vegetables and a platter containing a clean veal rack with five prime chops as the main ingredients.
Denmark’s winning team consisted of chef Kenneth Toft-Hansen, of Svinkløv Badehotel Isbod, and Christian Wellendorf Kleinhert, who also won the Best Commis award. Speaking on stage, Toft-Hansen said: "It's a big relief, this is my second time here and the last time I was very disappointed. Coming in number one is something I will never forget." Toft-Hansen was mentored by fellow Dane, Rasmus Kofoed, who is famous for being the only chef to win Bronze, Silver and Gold at the competition.
HONOURING LATE CULINARY GREATS
The chartreuse themed plate and a veal platter which the competition required this year was based on the first ever 1987 Bocuse d’Or competition organized by Paul Bocuse. Bocuse passed away in 2018, as did Joel Robuchon, two legends of French cuisine, and competitors this year were asked to pay homage to both of them.
THE FULL LIST OF BOCUSE D’OR 2019 WINNERS
1. Denmark (also Best Commis for chef Christian Wellendorf Kleinhert)
2. Sweden
3. Norway
4. Finland (also Best Theme on Platter)
5. Switzerland
6. France (also Best Theme on Plate)
7. Japan
8. Belgium
9. United States
10. United Kingdom
11. Iceland
12. Hungary
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