Le Meridien Budapest executive chef awarded by the French Republic

Laurent Vandenameele, Executive Chef of Le Meridien Budapest's Le Bourbon restaurant was recently honored by the French President for his contribution to French gastronomy. The prestigious award was presented by HE René Roudaut, French Ambassador to Hungary.

The Ambassador of France to Hungary, HE René Roudaut presented Laurent Vandenameele with “La médaille du Mérite Agricole” at a cocktail reception given in his honour at the Residence in Budapest.

Laurent has been Executive chef at Le Meridien Budapest and its Restaurant “Le Bourbon” since its opening in 2000, and has catered at the hotel for various acclaimed guests including President Bush and four Secretaries of state, the Prince of Belgium, Andrea Bocelli, Placido Domingo, Aznavour, Jensen Button, David Coulthard as well as a selection of Prime Ministers and Presidents.

Laurent`s previous experience includes working at the Matignon, the French Prime Minister`s residence as well as two Michelin star restaurants in France. He was trainee of the year in 1998. In 1997 he joined Le Meridien in Dubai and in 2000 came to Budapest. In 2009 on the recommendation of the Bocuse D`Or Academy was awarded the prestigious gastronomic prize “Les Toques Blanches du Monde.” 

Laurent is supported by his Head Chef Endrédi Zsolt and Pastry Chef Mázás Istvan who have been with him since the opening of the hotel. His philosophy is to use only the highest quality fresh ingredients. Specialising in fresh fish and seafood, Laurent`s credo is to use the minimum quantity of spices favouring the natural flavor of the product.