Denmark win the Bocuse d’Or, Belgium leave Lyon empty-handed
(Belga) The Danish team, which had already won the European Bocuse d’Or final, won the first prize in the world final on Monday. It is followed by Norway (silver) and Hungary (bronze). Belgium, for its part, left empty-handed from the high gastronomy competition which took place at the International Restaurant Fair (Sirha), in Lyon.
The Belgian squad, led by the chef of the “Maste” restaurant in Ghent, Sam Van Houcke, presented their tests on Sunday, going to work at 8:26 a.m. and sending their plate at 1:21 p.m. as well as their tray at 1:56 p.m. For the first exercise, she had opted for a version of Belgian fries with butternut squash and a Belgian waffle-based dessert, the theme being “Feed the kids”. The Bocuse d’Or organization decided this year to highlight the importance of nutrition for children’s health. The chefs had to present a menu around the squash and insert, in the main course, one egg per plate. The test on the platter revolved around the monkfish, decorated with scallops and a garnish composed exclusively of vegetable products. Twenty-four countries competed for this world final. During the European competition last March in Budapest, the same three countries dominated the podium: Denmark came first, followed by Hungary and Norway. Ferdy Debecker is the last Belgian to have won a medal at the Bocuse d’Or (bronze in 1999). The international culinary competition, launched in 1987 by Monsieur Paul, is a bit like the world championship of cuisine. Last year, France won the competition. (Belgian)