Blancpain Honours The Gold Medal Winning Chef of the 2006 Kadi

Chef hats in place! To the stoves! This was a no-holds barred contest for the eight finalists in the Cuisinier d’Or de Kadi held February 27 at the Casino Kursaal in Bern. Eight contestants - one winner. Franck Giovannini, sous chef at Philippe Rochat’s Hotel de Ville restaurant in Crissier won this most coveted of prizes in Swiss gastronomy and earned himself a place to compete for the Bocuse d’Or in 2007.
The quest for excellence, savoir faire, fine precision and a passion for details are values which Blancpain shares with the world of gastronomy. Blancpain was honoured as well to be selected as the time keeper in this most famous contest in Swiss gastronomy.

As official timekeeper, Blancpain recorded the time of the contest as 5 hours and 35 minutes. During this period the competitors marshalled their talents in the difficult quest for victory. Each of the eight finalist chefs prepared a fish course and poultry course for 12 people.

Watched by 1100 invited guests, the chefs set out to impress the jury of experts composed of the most celebrated Swiss chefs, including the President of the jury Philippe Rochat, who has had a long close relationship with the Blancpain family.

The proud winner of final round of the contest Franck Giovannini will now have the privilege of representing Switzerland at the Bocuse d’Or 2007. Pleased to receive his prize of a Blancpain Léman Flyback Chronograph, he plans to wear it during the international competition coming next January!