The Sirha 2015 show, held at Europexo in Lyon, France, may have been a triumph of Gallic flair and panache, but it was chefs from Scandinavian countries who won big in its premier competition, the Bocuse d’Or.
Norway’s Ørjan Johannessen of Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri restaurant took home the main prize with his commis Jimmy Øien following over five hours of intense judging. Philip Tessier and commis Skylar Stover from the USA team took second place while Tommy Myllymaki and commis Albin Edberg of Sweden placed third. Teams from Finland, Denmark and Iceland also featured in the top ten to cap a remarkable showing from Scandinavian nations.
It represents the fifth time the team from Norway have won the Bocuse d’Or, which was created by Paul Bocuse in 1987. This year’s final, the summation of 18 months of national heats, saw 24 international candidates cooking live in front of 2,700 supporters and overseen by an array of the world’s finest chefs including Grant Achatz, Thomas Keller and Alain Ducasse.
Ørjan Johannessen was praised by judges for “demonstrating exceptional skills and mastery” of the imposed menu of Landes Label Rouge free-range guinea-fowl and fario trout.
Michael Jones
