Theculinaryprize
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HISTORY OF THE PRIZE
A unique
historic
international
culinary prize.
HISTORY OF THE PRIZE
A unique
historic
international
culinary prize.
Formerly known as Le Taittinger until 2024, the ArsNova International Culinary Prize is a renowned culinary competition that spans 9 countries and enjoys the respect of chefs on the international stage.
Created in 1967, the Prize has always focused on perpetuating French culinary heritage by ensuring that this savoir-faire is passed on to new generations of young Chefs.
Launched by Claude Taittinger as a tribute to his father Pierre Taittinger, founder of the eponymous Champagne House, the Prize has accompanied generations of Chefs. A loyal guardian of this culinary tradition, he has always demanded a high level of technical expertise based on the conviction that once Chefs have achieved this quality level, they are then free to develop their own quest for meaning and individuality, two attributes that are essential to any chef aiming for the very heights.
the “Everest of
Gastronomy”
Recognized by the profession, the prize is known for its family spirit and exacting standards. Often called the “Everest of Gastronomy”, it acts as a springboard for winners who successfully negotiate this difficult challenge, affording them a high profile throughout the culinary world and the respect of their peers. Many among them become legendary figures, leaving their mark on history and culinary legacy with their creativity, such as Joël Robuchon, Michel Roth, Bernard Leprince and Régis Marcon. These stars of French legend have all stood at the top of the podium of this highly contested competition.
By placing the chef’s soul at the heart of the competition, the ArsNova International Signature Culinary Prize is designed to encourage a signature cuisine that promotes the flagship product for the chosen annual theme, through Chefs who draw on tradition whilst also delivering their own interpretations in a personal, contemporary world.
The prize now covers nine countries, which, following the selection stage, each put forward a candidate for the international final: France, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Japan, United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, United States.
Régis Marcon, lauréat 1985Le Taittinger has taken a leap forward in time, and now brings together a wonderful family of generous chefs. The time is right for it to expand and embrace a new dimension. At a time when skills are never, or hardly ever, passed on within families, we believe it is important to educate younger generations in questions of taste and teach them how to use cookery as a way of bringing happiness to themselves and others. It is also a way of capturing the richness of all cultures and sharing that from the delicious perspective of the dining table, reviving this natural theatre for discussion
Vitalie Taittinger,
Founder of Philanthropic ArsNova and member of the Board of Directors
A PRIZE WITH THE PATRONAGE OF AN ENDOWMENT FUND
A culinary award
of international
renown
2024 marks a new stage in the evolution of the prize, which is now part of the ArsNova Philanthropic endowment fund initiated by the Taittinger champagne house, thus becoming the ArsNova International Signature Culinary Prize, celebrating not only creative excellence but also sharing of culinary skills with the widest possible audience.
Drawing on its historical reputation and network of Chefs, it is now helping to promote their commitment to sustainable and shared gourmet cuisine.
Find more about the committee and juries
A prize is also awarded to the best commis (student of the Le Cordon Bleu School) who assisted one of the finalists during the cooking competitions.
58 years of history, a family of renowned chefs and prize-winners dedicated to gastronomy.
A competition
that celebrates the excellence of signature cuisine and identifies Chefs of singular character.
Charity dinners during national and international finals in support of the associations and initiatives aided by ArsNova
Educational
activities (workshops in schools, training courses, residencies for Chefs, etc.) throughout the year with the aim of sharing the knowledge of how to please others and promote informed and environmentally friendly food choices to the widest possible audience. Bouton : Link to ArsNova culinary centre website
TheWinners
Joël Robuchon, lauréat 1970.Franz-Josef Unterlechner
2025winner
57th EDITION
57th EDITION
Franz-Josef Unterlechner learned the basics of gastronomy at the Lenbach restaurant under Ali Güngörmüş. After completing his training as a master chef at the Steigenberger Academy, he worked at the Königshof in Munichet as sous-chef in the Überfahrt restaurant. He then returned to the Königshof as Chef de Cuisine, where he gained management experience, before becoming Culinary Director at the Bachmair Weissach Resort. More recently, he was Chef de Cuisine at the Altlantik restaurant in Munich. In 2019, he won the ‘Top Chef- Germany’ competition. Since January 2023, he has been head chef at the SchwarzreiterTagesbar and the Schwarzreiter Restaurant (Munich, Germany).
I'm really happy about this award. It's a big dream come true for me and I've reached a new personal milestone in my career.
Franz-Josef Unterlechner,
Prix ArsNova International Cuisine d'Auteur 2025 winner
NATIONAL WINNERS
CANDIDATES FORTHE 2025 INTERNATIONAL FINAL
Restaurant L'Enclume in Cartmel.
Restaurant Fortuin in Kontich.
Restaurant Paul Bocuse in Collonges au Mont d’or.
Restaurant Rolf’s Kök in Stockholm.
Restaurant Noble in Den Bosch.
Restaurant Hotel Prince in Tokyo.
Restaurant Nougatine in New-York.
Restaurant Valrose in Rougemont.
Apply
Applications for the 2025-2026 edition are open until 6 July 2025.
You can request to receive the application file via the application form.