Russian chef wins San Pellegrino award

A Russian chef has beaten nine other culinary masters, all under the age of 30, to be named San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna young chef of the year. Sergey Berezutskiy of Moscow’s As East Is restaurant impressed judges in every round including the personal dish challenge, for which he made mackerel with water apple, crispy beetroot risotto and Chechil cheese.

Before moving to As Eat Is, Berezutskiy worked under Anatoly Komm, the first Russian chef to have a restaurant listed in the Michelin guide as well as in Alinea, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Chicago.

Berezutskiy said: “I’m totally shocked, it was so unexpected to hear my name. It was very difficult to cook during the race but I’m incredibly happy … I put my heart into this. I hope that Russian cuisine becomes more known around the world and all the people will know, understand and love Russian cuisine.”