At the heart of the frenzy of the Gault&Millau 2024 ceremony, KACHEN’s team was there to experience this great celebration of the country’s gastronomy from the inside. Backstage at the Alvisse Parc Hôtel, we got a sneak preview of the talents and restaurants that made their mark at this exceptional event.
The Grand Duchy vibrated to the rhythm of forks and knives at the Gault&Millau 2024 ceremony. The Alvisse Parc Hôtel in Luxembourg was the scene of a lively atmosphere as the crème de la crème of the local gastronomic scene came and went, all eager to discover the culinary stars of this year’s event.
All eyes were on Louis Linster of the Lea Linster restaurant when he was awarded the prestigious title of Chef of the Year 2024. It’s an achievement for this young prodigy who, by taking over the reins of his family’s emblematic restaurant, has succeeded in infusing it with a modern vision of French gastronomy, while preserving its essence. “I’m really very happy. It’s been 7 years since I took over the restaurant. There are 20 of us and it’s a great honour to receive this award today, after being named ‘Young Chef of the Year'”, comments the chef. The sense of pride was evident on the face of his mother, Lea Linster, herself a culinary icon, who shared her joy and admiration for her son. In addition, with an impressive score of 17/20 and an entry into the very exclusive circle of 4 “toques”, he joins other culinary stars such as Ma Langue Sourit and La Distillerie, who continue to shine with 18.5/20 and 18/20 respectively.
But the ceremony was not just about one man. Clovis Degrave lit up the stage by winning the Young Chef of the Year award for his Grünewald Chef’s Table restaurant. A fine career for this passionate chef whose culinary talents shine through.
The Discovery of the Year went to Specto and its chef Morris Clip, who, after the success of Tempo, Bar où Manger, has won over customers with his inventive cuisine in the G.A.N.G concept at La Belle-Etoile.
As for the Mediterranean flavours, they were embodied by Fernando Andreu of the Févi Gaudium restaurant in Esch-sur-Alzette, crowned Mediterranean Chef of the Year for the second time.
In terms of discoveries, the title of H!p of the Year (formerly Pop of the Year) went to Japanese Manzoku. A place that offers much more than just products, with a Ramen Bar where fresh noodles are prepared in front of customers’ eyes.
The list of winners was expanded with the addition of Paul Bungert, Pastry Chef of the Year for Ma Langue Sourit, and the Becher Gare restaurant, hailed for its commitment to local cuisine and awarded the Restaurant de Terroir prize.
The world of wine was not left out, with Olivier Petit of Mosconi restaurant winning the title of Sommelier of the Year 2024, in recognition of his expertise and passion for the nectar of the gods.
The importance of front-of-house service was highlighted by Lysiane and Katell Guillou from Guillou Campagne, who impressed and charmed with their welcome and professionalism, winning the title of Hostess of the Year 2024.
Among the rising stars, the BAC bar, run by Raphael Betti and Lisa Steffen, was named Bar of the Year. Located in the heart of Pfaffenthal, this cocktail bar is a genuine revolution, showcasing Luxembourgish products.
Sommelier of the Year
Hostess of the Year
Last but not least, the ceremony was also an opportunity to highlight some new addresses, promising some great culinary discoveries for the coming year, such as Lakeside in Echternach, l’Hêtre beim Musée and Trattoria Da Gino in Luxembourg, to name but a few.
This annual celebration, orchestrated by Gault&Millau, is a reminder of just how much Luxembourg is a melting pot of culinary talent, combining tradition, innovation and passion. We can’t wait for the 2025 edition for new culinary adventures!
Pictures: KACHEN
