On Monday, February 24, 14 teams - chefs, pastry chefs and sommeliers - will meet for the first time in Riga to demonstrate their mastery in the art of pairing wine and dessert in the international competition "Wine & Dessert Latvia 2025".
This is the first competition of its kind in the world, which is being held for the first time in Latvia in cooperation with the Latvian Sommelier Association and the Chefs' Club. Among the participants are leading restaurants, including the first winner of a Michelin star in Latvia, Max Cekot Kitchen, as well as the restaurant John, which was awarded the prestigious star this year. The winner of the 2025 green Michelin star "Pāvaru māja Līgatne" and the winner of the 2024 special award for service "Kest" restaurant will also participate. From the Michelin restaurant guide, "Barents", "Whitehouse", "Chef's Corner", "3 Pāvari", "36. Linija" and "Entresol" will also participate in the competition. Among the participants are also restaurants "Lighthouse Jurmala", "Space Anora", "Harper Woolf" and "Annas Hotel".
"For me, the compatibility of wine and dessert is a celebration. And during a celebration, everything should be perfect, so we strive for the best possible combination. Our main goal in the competition is to show the author's approach to unusual combinations of flavors," says Maksims Cekots, chef of the "Max Cekot Kitchen" restaurant.
"The compatibility of food and wine is one of the basic principles of our work. We pay special attention to how flavors complement each other and reveal themselves together. Participation in this competition is an opportunity to demonstrate our unique approach," says Māris Jansons, chef of the "Kest" restaurant.
The guests of "Wine & Dessert Latvia 2025" will have the opportunity to watch an exciting gastronomic competition in person and be the first to find out which dessert and wine combinations will become the latest trends and complement Latvian restaurant menus. It is a rare opportunity to look behind the scenes of haute cuisine, watch the work of professionals and discover amazing flavor ideas.
"This is an important initiative for the restaurant industry, which will help develop the culture of enjoying wine and dessert pairings. It is a separate area that deserves more attention," comments Artūrs Arnicāns, chef of the Harper Woolf restaurant.
Tickets for the event are available to all interested parties. More information about the contest: www.bestdessertandwine.com.