Team France beat rivals from 21 other countries around the world to take the gold medal at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or Final 2021 in Lyon, France, on September 26-27. Winning chef Davy Tissot impressed the jury with his creativity and mastery of his craft.
He was followed by two teams who reached the podium also in the past edition: Denmark, guided by Ronni Vexøe Mortensen, got the silver medal, and Norway with Christian Andre Pettersen took bronze.
As the water of choice on the finest tables around the world and a long-term champion of culinary talent, S.Pellegrino has for many years supported these "gastronomic olympics", and the brand was present again in 2021 as a Gold Sponsor.
This year's platter challenge required chefs for the first time to prepare a hot dish based on a whole braised beef chuck. In recognition of the changing times, the usual plate challenge was replaced this year by the task of preparing a 3-course 'Take Away' menu. The Tasting Jury, comprising a representative of each participating nation, had the task of evaluating the chefs’ interpretations of these themes according to various criteria ranging from presentation, taste and cooking method to respect for ingredients, and originality.
In tribute to those chefs who have adapted to recent conditions by implementing solidarity initiatives, this year's competition also featured the new Bocuse d'Or Social Commitment Award, which was one by Colombia.
Among the chefs competing for the main title were two young talents who are already well known to S.Pellegrino. They are Alessandro Bergamo, who earned a place in the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Grand Finale 2021 in Milan in October by winning the Italy and South East Europe regional final, and Christian Andre Pettersen, who was a S.Pellegrino Young Chef finalist representing Scandinavia in 2015.
Just two days earlier, the same venue in Lyon hosted another important gastronomic event: the final of the 16th edition of the World Pastry Cup, which was won this year by Italy.
Foodies around the world were able to follow the event via a live stream on Fine Dining Lovers, the online magazine by S.Pellegrino.