Malta Serves Up Excellence At S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024
Over the past two days, the Islands of Malta played host to the global culinary stage as the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024 landed on our shores. This prestigious event, held at ITS, brought together the world’s most talented young chefs in a battle of creativity, skill and taste.
The competition featured a star-studded jury, including Malta’s very own Victor Borg, alongside culinary powerhouses Thanos Freskos (Greece), Alexandru Iacub (Romania), Igor Jagodic (Slovenia) and Iwona Niemczewska (Poland), who meticulously evaluated every dish served.
The grand finale took place last night, 26th November, at the stunning Phoenicia Ballroom, where a Gala Dinner wowed guests.
The dinner, a true culinary spectacle, was crafted by Michelin-starred chef Grigoris Kikis and Malta’s very own MasterChef judge and Michelin Bib Gourmand chef Letizia Vella—both of whom are alumni of the 2022 S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy competition.
The evening concluded with the highly anticipated announcement of the competition’s winners:
Category Winners
- S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award
Winner: Alin Vadean (Romania)
Mentor: Cezar Munteanu
Presented by: Marcello De Masi - Fine Dining Lovers Food For Thought Award
Winner: Nikola Šorak (Serbia)
Mentor: Mario Mandarić
Presented by: Tom Jenkins - Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award
Winner: Andrea Amore (Malta)
Mentor: Andrew Borg
Presented by: Alberto Bafumi
Áljotta' Maltese Fish Soup by Andrea Amore
The Big Prize
The San Pellegrino Young Chef Award for South Europe went to Pablo Falcón, representing Slovenia and mentored by Yvonne Melee, presented by Michel Beneventi, CEO of Sanpellegrino.
Haiku to the Mountain by Pablo Falcón
This show-stopping event was made possible by the Sanpellegrino International Business Unit, Charles Grech and Greatt Company Ltd, with support from the Malta Tourism Authority and the Government of Malta. A true celebration of culinary artistry and collaboration!
S.Pellegrino, Acqua Panna and Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks are global icons of Italian style and quality, crafted by Sanpellegrino S.p.A. in Milan, Italy. Available in over 150 countries, these products embody the essence of pleasure, health, and well-being. Founded in 1899, Sanpellegrino leads Italy’s beverage sector with its mineral waters, aperitifs and drinks, passionately committed to preserving water as a vital resource for the future.
Want to learn more about this competition? Head to sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com and dive into the world of future culinary stars.
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