New crop of young chefs become ambassadors of Flanders
A new group of Jong Keukengeweld has been introduced by tourism minister Ben Weyts to represent Flanders’ culinary scene at home and abroad
Kitchen rebels
“These young talents are the finest ambassadors for our rich culinary culture,” Weyts said. Belgium has more Michelin stars per capita than France, Italy or Spain, and the three three-star restaurants are all in Flanders: Peter Goossens’ Hof Van Cleve in Kruishoutem, Gert De Mangeleer’s Hertog Jan in Zedelgem and Geert Van Hecke’s De Karmeliet in Bruges.
The new Jong Keukengeweld class represent the up-and-coming generation, following in the footsteps of their mentors. Some of them already run internationally recognised restaurants.
“Putting the restaurant culture on the international stage is a way to attract more tourists to Flanders,” said Weyts. “Like love, wanderlust goes via the stomach: For 40% of all tourists, food culture is an important aspect of travel.”
Weyts also noted, however, that only four of the 54 ambassadors are women. “Nowhere else is the gap between top restaurants and ‘ordinary’ restaurants so narrow,” he said.
As part of the campaign, young people aged 18 to 30 can enjoy a three-course meal at one of the participating restaurants for only €45 to €55 – substantially less than the regular price – in October and again next March.
Photo: Jo Grootaers of Altermezzo in Tongeren is one of 54 chefs under 35 to make waves on the local culinary scene
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