Several of the world's most renowned chefs have gathered in Belgium as part of an awards ceremony which is expected to be an important milestone in the recovery of the restaurant sector.
Following a one-year delay due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the city of Antwerp, alongside Tourism Flanders, and EventFlanders, is organising events in light of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021, known as the "Oscars of Gastronomy," and is hoping to introduce the international food community to Belgian cuisine.
“Importantly, the event programme will provide the global gastronomic community with an opportunity to meet in person again, share experiences, celebrate resilience and excellence, and ultimately boost the restaurant sector at a time when it most needs our support,” William Drew, Director of Content at The World's 50 Best Restaurants, said.
Thousands of people across the world can cast their vote to decide what establishments make it on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
This year’s ranking of the world’s best restaurants will take into account the recent and ongoing travel and restaurant restrictions by merging the votes from early 2020 and 2021.
The organisers highlighted that all live events will be organised in a way to guarantee the health safety of attendees, and will be in accordance with international travel protocols and government guidelines.
All the main events, including the leadership forum, masterclasses with chefs, and the presentation of the awards, will take place in a “hybrid” format, as they will be broadcast to a global audience for those who are not able to attend in person.
This article was updated to be published on Tuesday 5 October 2021, the day of the main awards ceremony.
