33 Masterchefs of Belgium welcome first female masterchef (Bruges)

At their annual event ‘The Great Night’, the professional association of Belgium’s 33 Masterchefs traditionally honored its new members in various categories. Remarkable: for the first time in the association’s more than sixty years of existence, a woman was included in the exclusive club.

Founded in 1962 under the name ‘Order of the 33 Master Chefs of Belgium’, the association grew into one of the best-known promoters of gastronomy. The members consist of the Masterchefs and also the so-called ‘compagnons de la Toque Blanche, culinary ambassadors and club members. New members are officially inaugurated every year and this year resulted in a surprise.

25-year-old Elien Verhulst, chef at the gastronomic restaurant Vlass in Middelkerke, was appointed Masterchef, the first woman among the 33. Michiel Rabaey from restaurant Storm in Ostend can now also call herself Masterchef. Patrick Noël, who left the well-known restaurant De Marquize in Westende in October 2023 after 21 seasons, is now one of the ‘Culinary Ambassadors’. Wesley Blanckaert from Vishandel Birger from Nieuwpoort was included as ‘Club member’.

Newcomers to the ‘Compagnons de la Toque Blanche’ are Tomas Puype of Franco Belge in Bruges, Pieterjan Rosseel of De Engel in Ichtegem, Hilde Stekelorum of Boîte in Koksijde, Frederiek Vandenbussche of La Maison du Terroir in Ettelgem and Vida Acquaro of Ristorante Marina in Ostend.