The National Bailliage held its 2022 Finals of the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs and the Jeunes Sommeliers Competitions on the same day.

After an exciting contest, young chef Florian Daniels was declared the winner of the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition. Meanwhile, Elise De Waele was chosen as the best young Sommelier.

Once again, two promising young talents were able to win the leading awards that are annually presented by the National Bailliage.

In the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition, Florian Daniels can now represent Belgium at an international level in the Final taking place in Mexico City in October. He can already be sure that this prize will look good on his CV. Furthermore, it will be an unforgettable experience for Florian. Being able to measure himself against other top young talent worldwide always makes one stronger and better.

The tension was palpable when the five finalists in the Jeunes Sommeliers Competition vied with each other in the classrooms of Vives University College in Bruges. “It is only logical that the participants all want to win,” said Bailli Délégué Ilse Duponcheel. “After all, as the winning Sommelier, Elise De Waele can now take part in the International Final in Wiesbaden in September.

Leading names in the jury

Winning is not something that comes lightly. The tests are tough and the jury is strict. Ilse Duponcheel continued, “Every year we manage to get leading names for our jury. Conseiller Culinaire Jean-Baptiste Thomaes, Chef of the Michelin 2-star Château du Mylord, is traditionally the organiser of the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition, while the renowned wine connoisseur, Échanson Dominique Crombé, chairs the Jeunes Sommeliers Competition. These are sound names that guarantee quality. We are therefore convinced that our winners will also hold their own internationally. Already we have started to prepare them for the respective Finals and will be coaching them carefully.”

Ilse Duponcheel
Member of the Conseil Magistral
Bailli Délégué