Ciel Bleu’s Onno Kokmeijer crowned Chef of the Year 2019 by Gault&Millau

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Press release: Ciel Bleu’s Onno Kokmeijer crowned Chef of the Year 2019 by Gault&Millau

Amsterdam, 4 December 2018 – Onno Kokmeijer of two-star restaurant Ciel Bleu was crowned Chef of the Year at the presentation of the Gault&Millau 2019 Dutch restaurant guide. In addition to this, Ciel Bleu Restaurant – located on the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura Amsterdam – was awarded 18.5 out of 20 points, once again putting the restaurant firmly at the very top of the culinary guide.

Onno Kokmeijer, Executive Chef and Manager of Ciel Bleu: “I am incredibly honoured to receive this title and proud of our total points score. You can only achieve something like this with a strong team around you. Together with my right hand Arjan Speelman and the talented team, we work incredibly hard every single day to continue to surprise our guests with innovative dishes and the very best service. Our guests are at the heart of everything we do and we want to give them an unforgettable evening time and time again.” The jury praised the chef for his search for perfection in product, balance and the deepening of his craft, in combination with the most innovative and surprising flavours.

The launch of the Gault&Millau 2019 was concluded with a charity dinner in cooperation with Mastercard the Netherlands, to call attention to food aid for children, as well as Dutch gastronomy. The four-course dinner was prepared by a number of chefs, including Jim de Jong of Restaurant De Jong, who was crowned Young Top Chef of the Year, and by Onno Kokmeijer as Chef of the Year.

About Ciel Bleu Restaurant

Ciel Bleu Restaurant, located on the 23rd floor of the Hotel Okura Amsterdam, was awarded its second Michelin star in 2007, under the leadership of chefs team Onno Kokmeijer and Arjan Speelman. The restaurant is affiliated with the Alliance Gastronomique and boasts no less than three SVH Masters: Master Host Pasquinel Kolk, Master Sommelier Noël Vanwittenbergh and Master Chef Onno Kokmeijer. The ‘Chef’s Table’ located next to the kitchen is available for exclusive bookings for up to 10 guests. ‘Starlight’ offers private dining options for groups of 10 to 24 people.