Stone soup from the philosopher’s stone

Though their quarrel is not public, animosity between the two big trade organisations of chefs, the Hungarian National Alliance of Gastronomy (MNGSZ) and the Hungarian Association of Gastronomy remains intense. There is certainly something positive about the rivalry between MNGSZ and MGE. The two organisations keep inviting and presenting acclaimed personalities of international gastronomy, who regularly hold one or two day courses for local chefs, sharing knowledge and expertise, these chefs would not otherwise have access to. In the absence of Hungarian language literature, and of the knowledge of foreign languages, these occasions are the only source of advanced knowledge for Hungarian chefs. Erik Schröter, who has held a Michelin star in Germany will open a restaurant in Hungary in the beginning of the summer. Christian Meyer, also a member of the jury of Tradition and Evolution, had worked for the Michelin guide for 20 years. The names of Cattaneo Graziano, Daniel Labrosse and Jean Varga might not be too familiar to Hungarian chefs yet, but their achievements command respect. After Donatella Zampoli opened a restaurant in Budapest in April, Kisko Garcia also spent a few days with us. In May, it was Lea Linster’s turn to hold a masters’ course. At practically the same time, a demonstration was held by Francois Rodolphe and Miguel Rocha Vieira – the chefs of Costes. Attendance was good at these events and it is worth mentioning that our most successful “media star” chefs did not miss the opportunity to learn. However, considering the fact that many participants were “amateurs” (not professional chefs), it should be pointed out that there must have been something amateurish about the organisation and communication of these events. The finals of the competitions have been held in front of insultingly small audiences. We cannot help noticing that the membership of the trade organisations is shrinking. No prophet has so far succeeded in cooking a soup from the philosopher’s stone.