Cohesion instead of competition

Since 1997, Berlin Partner has been awarding prizes to the best chefs in the German capital each year. By honoring Berlin's master chefs, Berlin Partner is profiling the upscale restaurant culture and the diversity of the capital's gastronomic scene as an important economic and location factor. Since then, more than 130 chefs and restaurateurs have been honored in the various categories of the Berlin Master Chefs. This year, however, the awards are unthinkable.

Dr. Stefan Franzke, Managing Director Berlin Partner: "The year 2020 has presented each and every one of us, but the gastronomy sector in particular, with unimaginable challenges. Many businesses are still suffering from the measures taken by the federal and state governments to delay the spread of the virus as much as possible. In view of this extraordinary situation, we have decided not to award prizes as usual, but have come up with something special this year to nevertheless honor many special restaurateurs. By the way, I believe that it is no coincidence that in Berlin, of all places, many restaurateurs have reacted with prudence, commitment, and ingenuity. I was deeply impressed by the fact that so many offers of help for Berliners came from the severely affected gastronomy scene. I am proud of this Berlin, I am grateful for this Berlin".

Even the traditional gala dinner of Berlin's master chefs will not be able to take place this year due to the current regulations for major events. Instead, Berlin Partner will offer five special culinary tours of various prize-winners of the Berlin Master Chefs this special year: a fine-dining tour, a star tour, a "Sustainability & Regionalism" tour, a scene tour and a "Tradition & Modernity" tour. There is also a Newcomer Tour, which visits restaurants that have recently opened.