The expert jury reached its decision on 20 September, which was announced immediately to representatives of the trade press.

In keeping with tradition, the ceremonial event was held at the Hungarian Museum of Trade and Hospitality. The decision on the award, established by the Hungarian Guild of Caterers, was made – also in keeping with tradition – at the end of September, in the days leading up to Károly Gundel’s birthday. A jury comprising the heads of the most prestigious professional organisations, as well as representatives from several educational institutions, selected this year’s two winners from a shortlist of 11 nominees.

At the press conference following the decision, first of all Róbert Török, Director of the MKVM, and then János Gundel, a descendant of the Gundel family, the successor to their culinary legacy and a well-known figure in hospitality education, welcomed those present.

Kovács László, the chair of the MVI stated, amongst other things, that all the nominees would be worthy of the award, but that, according to the statutes, there can only be two – or, in exceptional cases, three – winners each year. The chair of the MVI also stated that 

a Gundel Charles The prize, established in memory of (1883–1956), is awarded to individuals who – in addition to having practised their profession to an outstanding standard for at least 25 years – uphold the historical traditions of Hungarian hospitality, are committed to the renewal of the profession, support the professional development of the younger generation, and contribute to the promotion of Hungarian hospitality.

This year’s award winners Bicsár Attila, executive chef at the Sauska 48 restaurant at the Sauska Winery in Villány, and Lázár Kovács-Siklós (Chef Lázár), an organiser of youth cooking competitions, who also undertakes to prepare young people for international competitions.

The award, which was first presented in 2014, will be presented at a formal ceremony during a gala dinner to be held at the Gundel restaurant on 27 October