Gironde’s Culinary Stars Aim for National Titles in Burger, Pizza, and Sushi Championships
The Gironde region is sending its top culinary talent to Paris and La Rochelle in the coming weeks to compete in prestigious national championships for burgers, pizzas, and sushi. These competitions showcase the skills of professional chefs from across France, and Gironde hopes to bring home the gold.
The 20th French Pizza Championship Heats Up in Paris
Over one hundred pizzaiolos will face off at the 20th French Pizza Championship, held in Paris on April 1st and 2nd as part of a professional snacking and restaurant event. Representing Gironde is Pierre Rigothier from La Felicita in Libourne. The competition will feature six challenging events: classic pizza, “pizza a due,” largest pizza, speed, dessert pizza, and acrobatic pizza, with a winner crowned in each category.
The Future of the Burger: Gironde’s The Cube
Also on April 1st, the Coupe de France du Burger by Socopa will take place alongside the pizza championship. Mathieu Hamel, chef at La Verrière du Château des Dauphins in Saint-Loubès, will represent the Gironde region. He will present “The Cube,” a square burger featuring a potato and charcoal bun, teriyaki-glazed Charolais steak, shiitake mushrooms, pickled pak choi, and a cheese foam. This innovative creation embodies a “masterful, gastronomic, and responsible evolution of the Burger of the Future.”
Sushi Skills on Display in La Rochelle
On April 14th, the spotlight shifts to La Rochelle for the French Sushi Championship. Sixteen chefs from across France will compete, including Tej Godambe from Morimoto and Kevin Berry from Blaze Trip, both representing Gironde. They will be judged on their precision, creativity, and mastery of traditional techniques.
With these competitions on the horizon, Gironde has a strong chance of securing a national title in the culinary arts.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the championships taking place? The French Pizza Championship and Coupe de France du Burger are on April 1st and 2nd. The French Sushi Championship is on April 14th.
Where are the championships being held? The Pizza and Burger championships are in Paris, while the Sushi championship is in La Rochelle.
Who is representing Gironde in the Pizza Championship? Pierre Rigothier of La Felicita in Libourne is representing the region.
Who is representing Gironde in the Burger Championship? Mathieu Hamel, chef at La Verrière du Château des Dauphins in Saint-Loubès, is representing the region.
Who is representing Gironde in the Sushi Championship? Tej Godambe of Morimoto and Kevin Berry of Blaze Trip are representing the region.
What is “The Cube”? It’s the name of the innovative burger created by Mathieu Hamel, featuring unique ingredients and a square shape.
Pro Tip: Follow the chefs on Instagram (Pierre Rigothier and Mathieu Hamel) for behind-the-scenes updates and competition news!
What do you think about these culinary competitions? Let us know in the comments below!
