Noël Vanwittenbergh receives new Joop Braakhekke Hospitality Award

The new Joop Braakhekke Hospitality Award was launched and presented during the opening of the 10th edition of Gastvrij Rotterdam. Noël Vanwittenbergh received the award this morning and went home with the special certificate and gold pin.

Over the next three days, hospitality trade fair Gastvrij Rotterdam celebrates its 10th anniversary. A hospitality trade fair focused on gastronomy, which Joop Braakhekke himself enjoyed attending. Because of this fact and the worthy podium of honour offered by Gastvrij Rotterdam, it was decided to (re)introduce the Joop Braakhekke Hospitality Award. An icon in the hospitality world, he was known as a cooking nut, entrepreneur, culinary creator and bon vivant. 

Accompanied by the judges (Thérèse Boer, Erwin Walthaus, Frank Visser, Ricardo Eshuis and Sheila Struyck), the certificate was presented this morning. The winner of the Joop Braakhekke Hospitalty Award, Noël van Wittenbergh, will, among other things, be given the special assignment of guiding an upcoming talent (from the black brigade) for a year and transferring knowledge in Joop's thinking. With the Joop Braakhekke Apprentice Award to go with it, Marly Sauer has also secured her certificate. During the coming year, they will together carry out a number of incentives and assignments that will bring the many facets surrounding the profession of restaurateur to the attention of the general public, but also aim to enthuse and recruit young talents for the profession.  

About Noël Vanwittenbergh:
Noël Vanwittenbergh is a leading sommelier, known for his exceptional palate and dedication to the world of wine. With a career spanning more than 30 years, he has made an indelible impression on the world of gastronomy. He has previously been awarded the honorary title of Honorary Gastronomy Sommelier. His journey took him to the renowned restaurant Ciel Bleu** at Hotel Okura in Amsterdam, where he has curated masterful wine pairings that take the culinary experience to new heights. Noël's expertise and passion for wine have earned him respect in the industry and made him an integral part of Ciel Bleu's exquisite culinary legacy. 

About Marly Sauer: 
Marly Sauer won the Joop Braakhekke Apprentice Award this morning. The 21-year-old is currently working at restaurant T'Lansink in Hengelo. She already participated in several competitions where she learnt a lot, and by participating in the Cas Spijker Academy, she is continuing this and hopes that more young professionals will want to be trained in the beautiful profession.  

The award ceremony will return annually at Gastvrij Rotterdam and ties in seamlessly with the overarching theme of the opening and trade fair: Sustainability & Talent Development. The podium featured, among others, Paul Fagel, the star chefs judging the Dutch Final of the Bocuse d'Or (including the first 3-star chef of the Netherlands, Cees Helder) and Jet Loos, who will compete on behalf of the Netherlands in the world final of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition in Milan in October. Marijke Vuik also spoke from her role as president at Koninklijke Horeca Nederland and the Week van de Horeca was launched at the opening of the fair. 

About Gastvrij Rotterdam 
The 10th edition of Gastvrij Rotterdam will be held from 18 to 20 September 2023. For three days, hospitality, experience and quality take centre stage at the hospitality trade fair in Rotterdam Ahoy, with a leading programme. As a gastronomic platform for ambitious catering professionals, the fair offers more than 450 suppliers of food and non-food products and services as well as an extensive programme. All information can be found at www.gastvrij-rotterdam.nl.