The prestigious Jeunes Restaurateurs (JRE) Awards, an international association uniting young chefs and restaurant owners from over 15 countries, recently announced the nominations for their 2024 edition.
Among the nominees are six talented Croatian chefs who have earned recognition for their exceptional contributions to the culinary world, Dobra hrana reports.
Every two years, JRE celebrates outstanding individuals in six categories: Talent/Chef of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Sustainability Award, Innovation Award, Sommelier of the Year, and Taste of Origin.
Let’s explore the achievements and nominations of these Croatian culinary stars.
1. Talent/Chef of the Year: Marko Gajski
Marko Gajski, the head chef of the Michelin-starred Restaurant LD in Korčula, is among the nominees for the Talent/Chef of the Year award. With a career that includes experiences in renowned kitchens like Alain Ducasse’s and Alexis Gauthier’s, Chef Gajski is known for his precise and passionate approach, contributing significantly to the progress of the local gastronomic scene.
2. Sommelier of the Year: Rudolf Štefan
Rudolf Štefan, the owner of Pelegrini restaurant in Šibenik, is a nominee for the Sommelier of the Year award. With several years of holding a Michelin star, Štefan is recognized for creating an atmosphere of excellence and meticulously curated wine cellars. His support for young professionals striving for service excellence sets him apart in this category.
3. Sustainability Award: Bernard Korak
Chef Bernard Korak from the restaurant Korak in Plešivica is nominated for the Sustainability Award. Living and working in harmony with the environment, Chef Korak uses fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients, including those from his own garden and family winery. The green Michelin star is a testament to his commitment to sustainable development and raising awareness about our choices’ impact on the world.
4. Innovation Award: Ivan Badurina
Ivan Badurina from the restaurant Badi in Lovrečica near Umag is a nominee for the Innovation Award. Known for his creative approach, Badurina blends culinary tradition with modern techniques, offering unexpected experiences and unique pleasures. His restaurant, rooted in family tradition, brings a fresh perspective to the contemporary culinary scene.
5. Taste of Origin: Vjeko Bašić
Representing the tradition in the Taste of Origin category is Vjeko Bašić from Restaurant Boba in Murter. Bašić, a creative force behind well-thought-out dishes, maintains the rich island traditions while crafting exceptional classic cuisine. He sees heritage as a dialogue between the past and future, striving to preserve and evolve culinary traditions.
6. Entrepreneur of the Year: Teo Fernetich
Teo Fernetich, nominated from the Istrian restaurant San Rocco in Brtonigla, is a contender for the Entrepreneur of the Year award. San Rocco, renowned for its excellence, especially in seafood and white truffles, stands as one of the best hotels in the region. Fernetich’s entrepreneurial spirit contributes to the success of this culinary gem.
Source : Croatia Week
