Maralyn & Brenda

The Tandem Tasters, Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill are thrilled that we will be covering these events again in 2011. We found 2009 exceptional and fell 2011 will exceed our expectations.

A stellar gathering at Sirha, Lyon, on 25 and 26 January 2011: 90 star-winning chefs from around the world meet to pay a tribute to Paul Bocuse

Since the beginning, Sirha has been the preferred meeting place for the world’s culinary elite, the place where the latest trends from all five continents are showcased as nowhere else on earth.

Sirha is a unique event staged every other year, and in 2011 will be organising a gala evening attended by 90 of the world’s greatest chefs in honour of Paul Bocuse, a veritable model for generations of cooks. They will all be gathering in the City Hall on 25 January for this prestigious event to pay tribute to Lyon’s great chef.

Christened the “Dîner des Grands Chefs du Monde”, it will constitute an unprecedented galaxy of 200 “stars”. And in recognition of all the city’s mothers who helped to establish Lyon’s reputation as the world capital of fine food, six distinguished women chefs will be in charge of organising this exceptional dinner.

More than 200 stars at Sirha

Since it was first staged 27 years ago, Sirha has been much more than just an exhibition. It is a unique place for drawing inspiration, a place where chefs from around the world gather to celebrate in a friendly environment. Sirha is also the showcase for the Bocuse d’Or, the most prestigious international cooking competition, where gastronomic trends from all five continents are given free expression. To mark this 15thcontest and pay tribute to its creator, Paul Bocuse, Sirha will be organising an exceptional gala dinner.

On 25 January 2011, 90 of the world’s most influential chefs will be meeting for this outstanding event in the exceptional setting of Lyon City Hall, in the presence of its mayor, senator Gérard Collomb. This stellar gathering of over 200 “stars” from the world of fine food will include Daniel Boulud, Alain Ducasse, Joël Robuchon, Santi Santamaria, Thomas Keller, Pierre Gagnaire, Yannick Alleno, Frédéric Anton, Michel Guerard, Bruno Menard, Guy Savoy, Shuzo Kishida, Peter Goossens, Philippe Rochat, etc.

Women in the spotlight

Lyon’s reputation for fine food is well established, thanks in no small part to several women of character who championed the city’s cooking traditions. Their names – Brazier, Blanc, Castaing – are all familiar.

Exceptionally, in tribute to them, the “Dîner des Grands Chefs du Monde” will be prepared by several “starred” women chefs under the guidance of Anne-Sophie Pic.

Each member of this international, all-women’s team will be in charge of a different part of the meal:

– aperitif: Léa LINSTER, Bocuse d’Or 1989, Restaurant Léa Linster* (Luxembourg),

– appetisers: Annie FEOLDEEnoteca Pinchiorri*** (Italy),

– entrées: Carme RUSCALLEDARestaurant Sant Pau*** (Spain),

– fish course: Anne-Sophie PICMaison Pic*** (France),

– meat course: Nadia SANTINIRistorante Dal Pescatore*** (Italy),

– dessert: Luiza VALAZZARistorante Al Sorriso*** (Italy).

The meal will be served by a team of female students from the Paul Bocuse Institute.

Espace Auditorium Paul Bocuse : the Hall of Fame of international cuisine!

GL events, which organises Sirha, is staging the Bocuse d’Or in a brand new, state-of-the-art, high-tech hall that will enhance the “show” aspect of the event.

Covering 10,050 m² and with a seating capacity of 2000, the hall is name after Paul Bocuse, the distinguished Lyon chef who created the contest. The staging is arranged in a way that emphasises the contestants’ skills and enables spectators to enjoy a truly thrilling show.

At the official opening on Wednesday 26 January, in true Hall of Fame tradition, 70 of the world’s most outstanding chefs, all of them awarded 3 stars in the Michelin Guide, will leave their handprints in the entrance to the hall before attending the Bocuse d’Or prize-giving ceremony.

Partners:

Lyon airport, Enodis, Metro, Nespresso, Sogelym Dixence

www.sirha.com

Maralyn
Author: Maralyn

Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.