Press Release:
Gudhjem Harbor once again set the stage for Denmark’s largest chef competition, Sol over Gudhjem, as thousands of enthusiastic spectators witnessed the three major chef competitions, the Product Award, and the food market. Spirits were high and concentration was at its peak as the 2022 winner, Torsten Vildgaard, future Head Chef at Restaurant FZN in Dubai, defended his title in the prestigious main competition against the other three star chefs Anne Bruun Jessen, Artur Kazaritski, and Nicolai Ellitsgaard.
After three hours in the kitchen, it was a proud and relieved Artur Kazaritski, Sous Chef at Geranium, who accepted a check for 40,000 DKK, a Mercedes Benz EQE for free use for a month – and thus lifted the trophy as the winner of the Main Competition and carried the title as the winner of Sol over Gudhjem 2023. Anne Bruun Jessen took second place, Torsten Vildgaard took third place, and Nicolai Ellitsgaard fourth place.
The winner, Artur Kazaritski, expressed immediately after the competition: “I am very happy – it means a lot to me, as I have been up against some amazing chefs. I have really considered how I could do my best today, so I am very proud to win Sol over Gudhjem 2023.”
“It is fantastic that Sol over Gudhjem has once again managed to bring together the best of Danish gastronomy to celebrate our unique food culture. We have again experienced massive support from both ordinary food enthusiasts, generous sponsors, and the entire restaurant industry in general. Together, we have created a true public celebration,” says Mikkel Marschall, director of Sol over Gudhjem.
Gudhjem Harbor showed itself from its absolute best side on Saturday – bathed in sunshine and with superb support from the local community and the many volunteers. Besides the four competitions, visitors could experience a large food market where a beautiful and wide selection of producers offered delicious raw ingredients and exciting products from all over the country. TV 2/Bornholm ensured live coverage of the Main Competition again this year, allowing even more Danes to follow along from home – and partake in the exciting atmosphere that Denmark’s largest chef competition offered.
Starter:
Grilled Danish Limfjord lobster from Fiskerikajen/Venø Seafood gratinated with foamed Blanquette of White Gooseberry Wine from Grands Vin with white asparagus crudité and lightly grilled peas.
Vinaigrette made with browned butter, grilled citrus juice, piment d’Espelette, and Rossini Oscietra Selection caviar.
Main Course:
Lightly grilled gastro calf with citrus herbs, aged smoked bacon fat, browned onions, blackcurrants, and burnt oxtail jus with caramelized garlic.
Country sausage with mushrooms from Gartnerhjælpen and gastro calf with local warm spices, aged cheese, roasted, and lightly smoked over juniper branches.
Traditional Bornholm “Palthæsta,” fermented cream, summer greens & Krølle Bølle.
Sol over Gudhjem 2023
Four sharp chefs ready for Denmark’s largest chef competition, Sol over Gudhjem 2023
Sol over Gudhjem participants from left: Nicolai Ellitsgaard, Artur Kazaritski, Anne Bruun Jessen, and Torsten Vildgaard
This summer, Denmark’s largest chef competition will be held for the 14th time. Here are the chefs participating in Sol over Gudhjem 2023.
On Saturday, June 24, 2023, Gudhjem Harbor will once again be filled with lots of competitions, food markets, and award ceremonies that celebrate the Danish food scene. Sol over Gudhjem now announces the participants for Denmark’s largest chef competition. This year, the participant field spans widely from Norway to Copenhagen, Bornholm, Estonia, and all the way to Dubai.
The four chefs competing for the winner’s title at this year’s Sol over Gudhjem are:
Torsten Vildgaard – Winner of Sol over Gudhjem 2022 and Head Chef at Restaurant FZN in Dubai
Anne Bruun Jessen – Head Chef at Hotel Nordlandet in Allinge on Bornholm
Artur Kazaritski – Sous Chef at Geranium in Copenhagen
Nicolai Ellitsgaard – Head Chef at Under in Norway
Besides the honor, the title as winner of Sol over Gudhjem 2023, and a prize check of 40,000 DKK, the winner can look forward to driving home from Gudhjem in a Mercedes-Benz EQE 350. The winner has the car available for a month.
The four participants must each make and present a starter and a main course. The starter must be made from a `mystery box’, the contents of which will be revealed on the competition day. The participants already know which elements must be included in the main course, so they have time to prepare their impressive servings. The main course must include veal shoulder muscle from Gastro Kalv from Dansk Cater and at least one vegetable from Gartnerhjælpen. Additionally, they must incorporate either Hallands Siren or Kry cheese from Arla Unika.
This year, the judging team consists of Brian Mark Hansen (Søllerød Kro and winner of Bocuse d’Or 2023), Kenneth Hansen (Svinkløv Badehotel and previous winner of Bocuse d’Or 2019), Nicolaj Nørregaard (Kadeau), and Rasmus Munk (Alchemist). The judges assess the dishes based on the categories; taste, appearance, and etiquette. Additionally, the judges can award bonus points when participants incorporate ingredients or techniques associated with Bornholm.
Sol Over Gudhjem 2023 is made in collaboration with TV 2/Bornholm. The competition will be broadcast live on TV2 Bornholm on June 24, 2023. The entire competition can be streamed on Play TV 2/Bornholm.