For the first time in its history, the famous Gault&Millau restaurant guide, in its Benelux version, has named a female chef of the year 2014.

It is Michelin-starred chef, Arabelle Meirlaen, that has received this great honour. Philippe Limbourg, director of Gault&Millau Benelux explains his choice: "Even though faced with stiff competition, Arabelle wonderfully illustrates current trends in gastronomy. A return to the product, a love of good food and balance are brought together harmoniously. It's vibrant and full of freshness, balance and tact, not to mention sensuality".

In her restaurant "Arabelle" in Marchin, Province of Liège, the young chef of 41 offers "intuitive" cuisine, "with more flavour and less technique". She recently closed her restaurant "Li Cwerneu" in Huy to move home to Marchin. This award has therefore been very timely. "I am very proud. It's an honour that will help grow our reputation even more after our move. It's a boost for the whole team too", she said after it was announced. Furthermore, Arabelle has highlighted the noteworthy presence of women in the profession.
 

Gault&Millau also named the three great chefs of tomorrow: Stephanie Thunus for Wallonia ("Au gré du vent" in Seneffe, Hainaut), Tim Boury for Flanders ("Boury" in Roulers, West Flanders) and Nicolas Scheidt for Brussels and the surrounding region ("La Buvette" in Saint-Gilles).

According to BELGA.