Ensuring Franschhoek remains top of mind, not only nationally but also internationally, executive chef Margot Janse of Le Quartier Français has been announced as one of the Top 20 finalists of the Basque Culinary World Prize.

This internationally recognized award recognizes chefs whose projects have improved society through gastronomy.

The Top 20 finalists, who will join Margot on this international platform, include chefs from Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, France, India, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, the US and Venezuela. The finalists’ projects are focused on everything ranging from innovation to education, health, research, sustainability, social entrepreneurship and philanthropy, and the preservation of local cultures.

Representing South Africa, Margot’s Isabelo Project – an initiative that now feeds 1 300 school children seven days of the week in the Franschhoek Wine Valley – has impressed the judges tremendously.

The panel includes some of world’s most respected chefs, such as Ferran Adria, Heston Blumenthal and René Redzepi. The winner, who will be announced on 11 July, will receive €100,000 for his or her project!