Norway Wins Bocuse d’Or Europe 2020

After two days of intense competition in Tallinn, Estonia on October 15 and 16, Norway won the title of Bocuse d’Or Europe 2020. The Hungarian team finished 9^th.

Mrs. Kersti Kaljulaid, the President of Estonia, presented the award to Chef Christian Andre Pettersen from Norway who impressed Régis Marcon, president of the International Organizing Committee, and the judges with his dedication, quality of the food and flavors. “They really understand how to work with the food,” the President of Jury, Philip Tessier said. “I am really looking forward to see what they bring to Lyon,” he added.

A total of ten chefs qualified for the grand finale which will be held during Sirha Lyon (France) from May 29 to June 2, 2021:

1. Norway - CHRISTIAN ANDRE PETTERSEN
2. Denmark - RONNI VEXØE MORTENSEN
3. Sweden – SEBASTIAN GI- BRAND
4. Iceland - SIGURÐUR LAUFDAL
5. Finland – MIKKO KAUKONEN
6. France – DAVY TISSOT
7. Estonia – ARTUR KAZARITSKI
8. Switzerland – ALESSANDRO MORDASSINI
9. Hungary - ISTVÁN VERES
10. Italy - ALESSANDRO BERGAMO

For this continental selection, the Bocuse d’Or was held in a new promising gastronomic destination, Estonia. The unique themes – Estonian quail and eel catfish – enriched the Bocuse d’Or world with new and interesting flavors. The chefs had quite a challenge to win over the judges with components that are yet to gain wider recognition in the culinary industry.

According to the honorary president Clare Smyth, the level of chefs was remarkable. “It was incredibly close competition. There are so many really exceptional chefs and I’m glad there is such an experienced jury because it’s such a responsible job to get this right,” Smyth said.

Due to COVID-19 the event was held without wider public in Saku Arena in Tallinn. Nevertheless, the chefs have been quite exceptional, and everyone was very happy and moved to be gathered for one of the only international gastronomic contests held this year. The level was high as ever and the live broadcasted format of the contest maintained the captivating sport event atmosphere that Paul Bocuse had always had in mind.