On April 28 and 29 Liège was the bustling culinary centre on the occasion of the 16th International JRE Congress 2019. More than 300 European top chefs and restaurant owners gathered to share their "Never-ending Passion" for gastronomy. At the JRE Award Ceremony six members received a prize for their special qualities and craftsmanship.
About the JRE Congress
Every two years the young and talented chefs and hosts of the JRE-family meet to share their passion for gastronomy. This year Belgium had to honour to host and organize this major international event.
The start of the culinary happening was given on Sunday evening during the welcome party in a traditional Belgian mirror tent, where guests enjoyed various culinary Belgian delights.
On Monday morning, the La Boverie museum was the setting for the joint breakfast, after which the guests left for the Royal Opera for the conference.
Various speakers were on the program, including Ernesto Iaccarino, Philipp Kauffmann (Founder Original Beans) and Friedrich Lehmann (Founder Lehmann natur).
The afternoon was continued with a food market in the park of La Boverie, where a series of leading producers presented a range of top quality products and ingredients.
The day ended with a gala dinner in the breathtaking Palais des Congrès. Also the backdrop for the festive JRE Award Ceremony where six members received a prize for their special qualities in the categories: Talent of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Innovation, Service, Taste of Origin and Heritage. The awards are supported by JRE-Partners Pastificio dei Campi, Mastercard, Olitalia, Illycaffè, Pommery and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Talent of the Year Award 2019 by Pastificio dei Campi
JAN-PHILIPP BERNER / Söl'ring Hof Sylt, Germany
Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2019 by Mastercard
SONJA & RICHARD RAUCH / Geschwister Rauch, Austria
Innovation Award 2019 by Olitalia
PAULO AIRAUDO / Amelia, Spain
Service Award 2019 by Illycaffè
Jure Tomič / Ošterija Debeluh, Slovenia
Taste of Origin Award 2019 by Pommery
ANDREAS DÖLLERER / Döllerers Genießerrestaurant, Austria
Heritage Award 2019 by Parmigiano Reggiano
LUCA MARCHINI / L'Erba del Re, Italy