The prestigious LA LISTE Pastry Special Awards 2024 recognized 25 exceptional pastry chefs and owners from 14 countries, including culinary stars Janice Wong, Dominique Ansel, and Justin Lee. The awards, held in Paris on June 17th at the annual LA LISTE Garden Party, celebrated the diversity and innovation of the global pastry scene.
This year’s awards marked the launch of the inaugural International Pastry Forum, a collaboration with renowned pastry chef Pierre Hermé. The forum brought together industry leaders to discuss cutting-edge topics such as creativity and AI in pastry, the role of haute pâtisserie in luxury hotels, and the enduring influence of French pastry traditions worldwide.
LA LISTE, recognized as the world’s leading restaurant ranking, continues to champion culinary excellence and promote gastronomic tourism. Their expansion into the world of pastry, with the World’s Best Pastry Shop Selection, further solidifies their commitment to recognizing the best in the industry.
LA LISTE’s ongoing commitment to the world of pastry expands with the first International Pastry Forum, a pastry trends conference with industry frontrunners in collaboration with Pierre Hermé, winner of the 2023 Award of Honor.
Philippe Faure, President of LA LISTE says: “In just two years, the energy and enthusiasm of the global pastry community has surpassed all expectations. Uniting over 3,000 establishments in the World’s Best Pastry Shop Selection, and Special Award winners from 14 countries, is a privilege in the business.”
Hélène Pietrini, Managing director of LA LISTE adds “Like sport, pastry brings people together, and it is our honor to launch the very first LA LISTE International Pastry Forum on the eve of the Paris Olympics. The rapid growth of LA LISTE Pastry confirms LA LISTE as the most comprehensive and reliable guide for the global gourmet traveler and complements the LA LISTE World’s Best Restaurant Selection of more than 35,000 restaurants, and just-launched LA LISTE World’s Best Hotels of 7,000 places to stay for discerning travelers.”
La Liste Special Pastry Awards 2024
World’s Most Creative Pastry Chef: LA LISTE proudly awarded Bastien Blanc-Tailleur the title of World’s Most Creative Pastry Chef 2024. Renowned for his breathtaking wedding cakes, often described as “edible haute couture,” Blanc-Tailleur’s creations are sought after by royalty and have redefined the very concept of special occasion cakes. His artistry seamlessly blends visionary design with impeccable technique, captivating both connoisseurs and newcomers to the world of pastry.
Chef Ramon Moratò, Creative Director of Cacao Barry®, lauded Blanc-Tailleur’s work, stating, “His wedding cake designs are not just desserts but masterpieces… His work elevates pastry to an art form, inspiring us all in the culinary world.”
Additional Notable Awards:
- Pastry Game Changer Award: Dominique Ansel, the visionary behind the iconic Cronut, was recognized for revolutionizing the pastry industry and bringing fine patisserie to a global audience through social media.
- World’s Best Pastry Shop Award: François Perret of Le Ritz Paris received this accolade for his exquisite creations at Le Ritz Comptoir, a must-visit Parisian pastry destination.
- World’s Best Afternoon Tea Award: Christophe Devoille, Executive Pastry Chef of Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, earned this distinction for his innovative and elegant afternoon tea experience.
Other Categories Showcasing Global Talent:
The awards also highlighted innovation, talent, and ethical practices across diverse categories. Winners included:
- Pastry Innovation Award: Antonio Bachour (Miami & Merida) and Janice Wong (Singapore)
- Pastry Talent of the Year Award: Aurélien Cohen (Paris), Justin Lee (Korea), Margarita Lorenzana-Manzke (Los Angeles), Joanna Yuen (Hong Kong), and Noelia Tomoshige (Madrid)
- Pastry Ethical & Sustainability Award: Claire Damon (Paris)
- Pastry Artisan & Authenticity Award: Enrico Cerea (Bergamo, Italy) and Bernachon (Lyon, France)
- Pastry Opening of the Year Award: Mietta by Rosemary (Melbourne), Christophe Louie (Paris), Pierre-Jean Quinonero (Paris), Bonbon Café (Dubai), and Darcie Maher (Edinburgh)
- Pastry Discovery Gem Award: Lals Chocolates (Pakistan), Farine & Cacao (Montréal), Alanya Repostería (Lima), Brigat (Paris), L’Ogre de Carrouselberg (Lille), and Chez Dodo (Budapest)
La Liste International Pastry Forum
LA LISTE presents its first ever pastry trends conference in collaboration with Pierre Hermé. Special Award winners and the biggest names in global pastry will gather to celebrate the importance of pastry in both gastronomic creativity and economic dynamism.
“LA LISTE’s new Pastry Forum is an opportunity to celebrate the importance of pastry in both gastronomic creativity and economic dynamism,” says Pierre Hermé, Maison Pierre Hermé. “I have always known the magnificent reach of pastry, as a global language and funnel for creativity, change, and artistic expression, and am proud to collaborate with LA LISTE at this inaugural conference, where we’ll hear from the best in the business and look to the future of the most thriving sector across all hospitality. Social media and experimentation with flavors and technique have taken our precious pastry to new levels and audiences for the 21st century. Let’s see where we’re going next.”
AI and pastry creativity: best enemies or allies? Multi-awarded Nina Métayer from La Délicatisserie in Paris, Bastien Blanc-Tailleur and Ramon Moratò, Cacao Barry Global Creative Director discuss the infinite possibilities and challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Haute pâtisserie and luxury hotels, the new winning team in hospitality. A trending topic for Pierre Hermé, whose pastry has a global presence from La Mamounia in Marrakesh to his recently opened boutique in the Four Seasons Riyadh. Pastry award winner Christophe Devoille from Atlantis, The Royal, and renowned hotelier François Delahaye, Chief Operations Officer of Dorchester Collection join the discussion.
Antonio Bachour and Dominique Ansel are two influential pastry chefs, both based in Miami and New York CIty, US. Pierre Hermé welcomes them to the panel discussion on the influence of French pastry around the world, and the evolution of this exciting and challenging gastronomic landscape.
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