Young Engadine Talents
Young culinary talents honored at a high level
The culinary newcomers of the Upper Engadine once again impressed this year with their exceptional skills. Five chefs in their final year of apprenticeship, and thus shortly before completing their training, took part and faced the challenge of creating a main course and a dessert from a seasonal basket of goods within two hours. Creativity, precision, and craftsmanship were equally in demand.
Janis Schumacher
Winner
The promotion of young culinary talents is a special priority for the festival organizers and has therefore been an integral part of the festival since 2012. The competition is organized and led by the Executive Chef of Suvretta House, Fabrizio Zanetti, and top chef Roland Jöhri.
All culinary apprentices from the Engadine in their third year of training are invited to participate. They face the demanding task of creating two gourmet dishes from a specified basket of goods. As every year, the basket of goods is sponsored by Rageth Comestibles AG.
1st place went to Janis Schumacher – Suvretta House, St. Moritz, followed by Leonard Thimm – Waldhaus Sils, in 2nd place. Enea Balmelli – Suvretta House, St. Moritz, was delighted to take 3rd place.
As the main prize, the winner receives, among other things, a short stage with Heiko Nieder at The Dolder Grand in Zurich—a valuable opportunity to gain insights into top-tier cuisine at the highest level and to develop professionally.
Participants must prove their skills before a four-member expert jury. In addition to Fabrizio Zanetti and Roland Jöhri, the jury includes Dario Cadonau, Director of the IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau in Brail, and Reto Walther, Managing Director of the Swiss Culinary Association.
This year’s “Young Engadine Talents” was won by Fadri Baumann from Suvretta House. Finn Loretz from the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski took second place, and Timothy Ferrari from Hotel Krone took third place.
Janis Schumacher Janis Schumacher, winner of the 13th edition with Fabrizio Zanetti, Executive Chef, Suvretta House St. Moritz
From left: f.l.t.r. Jürgen Janikowski, Laurent-Perrier, Fabrizio Zanetti, Executive Chef Suvretta House, Janis Schumacher, winner of the 13th edition, Claudio Dietrich, President St. Moritz Gourmet Festival
