Special AwardsJanuary 2023

Special Awards Mediterranean 2023

The Special Awards Mediterranean 2023 celebrate diversity and commitment to preserving the environment and biodiversity across the whole Mediterranean region.

Award of Honour

Recognizing the legacy of a chef or restaurateur

Le Louis Xv - Alain DucasseAlain Ducasse · Hôtel de Paris, MonacoLiving legend Alain Ducasse was born in Castelsarrasin in southwestern France in 1956, where he was brought up on his grandmother’s authentic French cooking, which influenced Ducasse’s own style. Pivotal events in his career include apprenticeships with Guérard and Vergé, as well as meeting his mentor Alain Chapel. As the sole survivor of a plane crash in August 1994, aged 27, Ducasse pushed himself and his work, becoming an international name when he was appointed head chef of the Hotel de Paris in 1987. Ducasse was serving simple, rustic dishes from Italy and the south of France well ahead of the rest, and thanks to his high-end restaurants in London, Paris, New York, and Tokyo, he soon became the most decorated chef by restaurant guides and awards. He has also built a seamless business to train staff and ensure the quality of all his establishments around the world. But for Alain Ducasse, cooking remains first and foremost a craft that demands hard work and the best ingredients. Download "How Alain Ducasse became a culinary icon" by Jörg Zipprick, Co-founder and editor-in-chief of La Liste (© Jörg Zipprick la Liste)

New Arrivals of the Year

Restaurants that have successfully opened and deserve to be commended.

New Destination Champion

A city, region, or country, in full gastronomic boom, soon to be a must for gourmets.

MonacoAlthough small in size, the 2km2 coastal city of Monaco is a gastronomic capital and a leader in environmental responsibility and biodiversity. It stands out as a food lovers destination thanks to the growth in both number and diversity of its restaurants, from fine dining institutions such as Le Louis XV Alain Ducasse in the Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo, to sustainability champions like Elsa from Mélanie Serre at the Monte Carlo Beach resort, all the way to its many casual beachfront restaurants and party hotspots. Indulge in Monagesque classics and local oysters, or international cuisine such as Peruvian at COYA, Japanese at Yoshi or Lebanese at Em Sherif. As a city, Monaco is committed to keeping its waters and coast clean and protected, and its restaurants set a similar example with a strong commitment to ethics and sustainability throughout.

Hidden Gems

Restaurants that deserve to be discovered for their unique culinary experience and the interpretation of their terroir.

Innovation Award

A chef, restaurateur, or organization that reinvents itself by creating new development opportunities.

Ergon GroupFounders Thomas & Giorgos Douzis · GreeceErgon is the brainchild of entrepreneurial brothers Thomas and Giorgos Douzis, who have made it their mission to promote Greek gastronomy and become leading global ambassadors for high quality Greek food and culinary culture. The brothers founded Ergon in 2009, opening the first concept store in Thessaloniki with a selection of traditionally-made, premium Greek products, sourced from small independent producers, and there are now 23 company-owned or franchise delis in Greece, Cyprus, the UK, and Qatar. The delicatessens are also café-restaurants serving modern versions of traditional dishes, and their success has led to the opening of Ergon House Athens, a boutique hotel with a food market on the first floor, where guests can purchase pasta, baked goods, meat, cheese, and other fresh local products, as well as a restaurant serving creative Greek cuisine.

Game Changer Award

A personality who is strongly committed to imposing more egalitarian, inclusive, and benevolent values in the kitchen or in the sector.

Community Spirit Award

Project led by a chef, restaurateur or organization that supports their community or a cause.

Turkish Chefs And Restaurateurs’ Community For Their Commitment Following Turkish And Syrian DisastersTurkeyThe recent earthquake in Turkey has affected an astonishing 20 million people, leaving many homeless and without food or other basic necessities. Turkey’s chefs immediately organized themselves to get aid to the victims, connecting on social media and working all hours. One of the first to act was Fatih Tutak, who set off at 3am to drive a six-person team from Istanbul to İskenderun with food supplies for earthquake victims. Gökmen Sözen, known for bringing chefs from all over the world to Turkey through the Gastromasa organization, gathered volunteer chefs and organized their efforts using his vast network of industry contacts, setting up a solidarity group to respond to the tragedy. Many chefs have worked tirelessly to help the earthquake victims, and La Liste is giving the Community Spirit award to Tutak and Sözen on behalf of all of them during this difficult time.

Ethical & Sustainability Award

A chef, restaurateur or group who has implemented ethical, sustainable and supportive practices that have had an impact within their establishment or in their community.