Ciel Bleu chef Onno Kokmeijer named Chef of the Year by Gault&Millau

We already knew, of course, that you can eat fantastically well there. But today, Ciel Bleu chef Onno Kokmeijer (for those who are curious, the one on the right in the photo) was also named Chef of the Year. He received the Chef of the Year award today during the announcement of Gault&Millau 2019. 

The jury praised Kokmeijer’s talent with the following words: “Kokmeijer has been part of the absolute culinary elite for many years, and he continues to develop. His pursuit of perfection in product, balance and deepening his craft, combined with the most innovative and surprising flavours, drives him relentlessly forward.

But of course, everything is still about the dishes. Without exception, our inspectors returned ecstatic, full of praise for the subtlety and originality of Ciel Bleu’s cuisine. The stunning presentations and flavours make you forget the already impressive view from the 23rd floor of the Okura.”

Winners of the 2019 Gault&Millau Awards

1. Chef of the Year: Onno Kokmeijer (Ciel Blue, Amsterdam)
2. Young Top Chef of the Year: Jim de Jong (Restaurant De Jong, Rotterdam)
3. Discovery of the Year: Mike Cornelissen (Rijnzicht, Doornenburg)
4. Vegetable Chef of the Year: Chris Naylor (Restaurant Vermeer, Amsterdam)
5. Bistronome of the Year: Dennis de Haan (Restaurant de Haan, Groningen)
6. Craftsman of the Year: Paul Hartering (Restaurant Gebr. Hartering, Amsterdam)
7. Asian Restaurant of the Year: Mei Wah, Eindhoven (Taks Yuen)
8. Prize – Pleasure of the Year: Huisje James, Ugchelen (Heine Ruitenbeek & Inge Scholten)
9. Pastry Chef of the Year: Yurii Ivanov (Restaurant Wiesen, Eindhoven)
10. Newcomer of the Year: 212, Amsterdam (Richard van Oostenbrugge & Thomas Groot)
11. Hostess of the Year: Marleen Brouwer (De Loohoeve, Schoonloo)
12. Sommelier of the Year: Koen van der Plas (Interscaldes, Kruiningen)
13. Wine List of the Year: Bottles, Sas van Gent (Jens and Bart Hoogstad)
14. Terrace of the Year: Kasteel Engelenburg, Brummen (Johan & Carin Agricola)
15. Cocktail Bar of the Year: Tales & Spirits, Amsterdam (Boudewijn Mesritz & Lydia Soedadi)