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On 24 October, the “We’re Smart© Awards” 2023 celebrated vegetable gastronomy, crowning “De Nieuwe Winkel” as the best vegetable restaurant for the second time. The Luxembourgish restaurant “Ma Langue Sourit” made a remarkable entry in 85th place. The Top-100 also welcomed 19 new establishments, testifying to the dynamism of the plant-based culinary sector.
On Tuesday 24 October 2023, the Théâtre du Vaudeville in Brussels was buzzing to the rhythm of the “We’re Smart© Awards”. The event, orchestrated by We’re Smart©, the leading name in fruit and vegetable cuisine, honoured the finest actors in the world of green gastronomy, while highlighting sustainable and healthy culinary innovations.
For the second year running, the Dutch restaurant “De Nieuwe Winkel”, headed by chef Emile van der Staak, was crowned best vegetable restaurant in the world. A special mention also went to the Luxembourgish restaurant “Ma Langue Sourit”, run by chef Cyril Molard, which made a stunning entry in 85th place. René Mathieu of La Distillerie in Luxembourg keeps his title of “Untouchable”, having been ranked number one for two consecutive years.
The Top-100, unveiled at the event, was not just a celebration of renowned establishments. In fact, 19 newcomers joined this prestigious list, reflecting the dynamism and constant innovation in the field of plant-based cuisine.
During this memorable evening, prizes were awarded to outstanding food initiatives for an ecological and sustainable lifestyle. Among them, “Winning Foods” was singled out for its innovative “Lego for Food” project, and “Scelta Inside” was hailed for its mushroom salt, a real alternative to sodium.
The evening also saw a number of special awards, including the “Special Future Award 2023” awarded to chef Jean-André Charial of “L’Oustau de Baumanière” for his early commitment to plant-based cuisine, and the designation of Paul Newnham of “Chef’s Manifesto” as “Person of the Year 2023”, for his passionate commitment to the plant world.
We’re Smart©, created by Frank Fol, the Vegetable Chef®, continues, through its initiatives, to promote gastronomy that is more respectful of our bodies, nature and the world. Their annual green guide and the “We’re Smart© Future Awards” reflect this ambition and vision of a smarter, more sustainable cuisine.
For the full list of winners: www.weresmartworld.com
Header photo: Left – Duncan de Fey / Right – ©Helge Kirchberger Photography / Red Bull Hangar-7