The Bastognard Pierre Plas was named Walloon chocolatier of the year by Gault & Millau on Monday, during a ceremony organised at the Brussels Expo. The guide also rewarded Herman Van Dender in Brussels and The Chocolate Line (Bruges) in Flanders. The discovery of the year was attributed to By Michèle (Herstal).
The seventh edition of Gault & Millau BeLux special chocolatiers lists 123 professionals representing 173 addresses. In its awards, the institution celebrated both highly experienced chocolatiers and newcomers. Pierre Plas opened his store with his companion shortly before the health crisis.
“His delicacies were unanimous with our tasting committee”, greeted the organiser. As for the discovery of the year, the surprise and excitement were total for Coralline and Christophe Prunier, who took over the store from the chocolatier’s mother – Michèle – and have since opened a second address in Herstal.
More sweet victories
The jury particularly pointed to the originality of the creations of the people of Liège, who met during their training before perfecting their skills in Paris.
In Brussels, the guide rewarded Herman Van Dender, a Schaerbeek native who had to go into exile in Grand-Bigard after taking over the family business. Very moved despite his decades of experience, he simply summarised his definition of a good praline: “It must speak to the senses and make you want to take another immediately!”
Finally, in Flanders, the Bruges store The Chocolate Line was awarded. Represented by Julius Persoone, son of boss Dominique, and his entire production team, the brand was rewarded for its ability to make chocolate “sexy, trendy, cool and seductive.”
