Four special awards were presented at the Star Revelation event to mark the launch of The MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries 2022 on Monday 4th July, hosted by the International Director of the MICHELIN Guides, Gwendal Poullennec.
It was held at the Stavanger Concert Hall in Norway, in collaboration with the Rogaland County Municipality, the City of Stavanger, Visit Region Stavanger and the Stavanger Concert Hall.
Along with Michelin Stars, Green Stars and Bib Gourmands, there were four special awards presented during the event:
• Welcome and Service
• Sommelier
• Chef Mentor
• Young Chef
Wassim Hallal, chef-owner of restaurant Frederikshøj, in Aarhus, Denmark, won the Chef Mentor Award, which was presented by Rossini Caviar.
Jacob Marsing-Rossini, Founder and MD of Rossini, said on stage at the ceremony before presenting the award to Wassim, “We all need role models, especially when young and deciding who we want to become”.
Wassim moved to Denmark in 1995 and, after working in some of the country’s best restaurants, opened his own place, Frederikshøj, in 2009. Housed within the former staff lodge of the Royal Palace, it was awarded its first Michelin Star in 2015 and has now received a second Star this year.
Wassim's precise and creative cooking style clearly encapsulates all his considerable experience. Throughout his career, in the many kitchens in which he has worked, he has passed on his principles to young, aspiring chefs, helping train and encourage the next generation. He has never stood still and encourages younger chefs to keep developing their own knowledge and skillset.
Not only has he published cookery books and appeared on television, but he has also been a proud ambassador for the Aarhus region for many years. Shining a light on the quality of local produce is something that drives him every day in the kitchen and the importance of cooking with the best of what is in season and grown in the local area is another trait that he has encouraged in other chefs.
It was certainly an emotional night for Wassim as, moments before receiving the Chef Mentor Award, he had been up on stage to receive Two Michelin Stars for his Aarhus restaurant, Frederikshøj.
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For quick links to the Nordic Countries restaurant listings, click below:
Denmark
Finland
Iceland
Norway
Sweden
