LYON, Jan 28 ― Italy now holds bragging rights to being home to the best pastry chefs in the world, after taking gold in a culinary event known as the baking and desserts equivalent of the Olympics.
After a marathon 10-hour day in the kitchen, Team Italy, led by pastry chef Emmanuele Forcone, emerged the champion at the 14th edition of the World Pastry Cup in Lyon, France on Monday, trumping 20 other teams from around the world.
This year’s victory marks the seventh time Italy has climbed the podium.
After Italy, Team Japan took silver and Team USA took the bronze.
In front of a crowd of 2,700 spectators, teams made up of a pastry chef, an ice cream-maker and a chocolatier whisked, poured, moulded, tempered and sculpted the desserts of their lives.
The World Pastry Cup wrapped up Monday at SIRHA, a major gastronomic trade fair held every two years in Lyon, France. The five-day event is perhaps best known for hosting the Bocuse d’Or, also known as the culinary Olympics of the food world.
Alongside plated chocolate and fruit desserts, teams were also tasked with carving a block of chocolate and integrating the piece into their chocolate sculpture, one of 21 pieces teams had to deliver within 10 hours.
New in 2015, teams from Algeria, the Philippines and Guatemala made their debut. ― AFP-Relaxnews
