The Michelin Special Awards are our way of honouring the brilliant individuals and teams who make the restaurant industry so special. The following people all caught the attention of the Michelin Inspectors thanks to their professionalism, skill and dedication. Following their announcement at the Michelin Guide Ceremony 2023 on 12th June, we take a closer look at this year's winners.
MICHELIN SERVICE AWARD
Mia Kondrup of À L’aise
Smooth, welcoming service with a smile can often make a dining experience feel that extra bit special. This is rarely more evident than when dining at À L’aise in Oslo, which is why Mia Kondrup (pictured, right) and her service team have been recognised with the Michelin Service Award. The whole team at this sumptuous French-influenced restaurant have the perfect mix of warmth and efficiency that distinguishes the very best service. It’s not just their professionalism that’s impressive, but their genuine desire to enhance the experience for their guests. Mia leads her team wonderfully, imparting her passion for good service onto her colleagues. The whole team work seamlessly together, with the chefs getting involved in the service too and showing as much enthusiasm for their craft as the rest of the À L’aise team.
MICHELIN SOMMELIER AWARD
Emma Ziemann of ÄNG
There are two principal elements that make a great sommelier: an impeccable knowledge of the wines in the cellar and how they match with the food; and a charming, engaging tableside manner. Emma Ziemann (pictured, right) has both, making her the ideal winner of the Michelin Sommelier Award for 2023. With her relaxed, easy-going approach Emma effortlessly puts her guests at ease while suggesting exciting bespoke pairings to go with ÄNG’s surprise menu. She displays immense pride when talking diners through the impressive contemporary cellar she takes responsibility for, which includes some less-common options like local apple ice wine. When accepting her award at the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony, a beaming Emma said: “I am so grateful and humbled by this. I would love to see you all at ÄNG so that we can spoil you.”
MICHELIN YOUNG CHEF AWARD
Jalmari Kunnas of Demo
As Head Chef at one of Helsinki’s most iconic restaurants while still in his 20s, Jalmari Kunnas fits the bill perfectly for the Michelin Young Chef Award. At Demo, he presides over a kitchen that produces a surprise set menu of well-balanced, beautifully presented dishes. Particularly impressive to the Michelin Inspectors is the skill and maturity Jalmari has shown to retain the Michelin Star at Demo; he initially worked as a chef de partie here some years ago, before leaving to gain experience elsewhere and later returning in 2021. That Tommi Tuominen (pictured, left), the chef-owner of Demo, put his faith in Jalmari despite his young age, speaks volumes as to how he is thought of in the kitchen. When accepting the Young Chef Award on Jalmari’s behalf, Tommi was full of praise for his Head Chef, calling him “the hardest working guy I’ve ever met”.
