One feature of the Michelin Star Revelation events is the special awards given out during the evening. On Monday 4th July, along with Michelin Stars, Green Stars and Bib Gourmands, there were four such awards to celebrate The MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries 2022:
• Welcome and Service
• Sommelier
• Chef Mentor
• Young Chef
The event was hosted by the International Director of the MICHELIN Guides, Gwendal Poullennec and 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.
The Michelin Welcome and Service Award, which was sponsored by Ferrari Trento, went to Heidi Bjerkan and the team at Credo, in Trondheim, Norway.
As Massimiliano Giacomini, Export Manager of Ferrari Trento, said in his introduction on stage before presenting the award: “We all know that a great meal is not just about food. It’s also about service and having a great experience”.
Heidi Bjerkan is the chef-owner of this landmark restaurant, strikingly set in a former tank factory, and has been the recipient of both a Michelin Star and a Michelin Green Star in recent years. What makes dining here such a memorable experience is not just the exceptional quality of the multi-course menu but also the delightful service.
From the warmth of the greeting to the farewell at the end of the evening, guests are made to feel really special. Heidi not only anticipates every guest’s need, but is constantly present, whether that’s pouring wine, explaining the make-up of her dishes or just chatting to her customers. Her enthusiasm and positivity are infectious, with the result that her charming young team share the same professionalism and eagerness to please.
Heidi and her team clearly want every diner to leave happy and contented. This is why the Inspectors chose them as their Welcome and Service Award winner for 2022.
Receiving the award up on stage, Heidi was asked what her secret was. “It’s having great people around you. It’s teamwork and loving what you’re doing”.