The World's Best-Known Chefs Will Decide Winner Of New Basque Culinary World Prize

A jury made up of some of the world's most influential chefs has a very difficult task this summer: selecting the winner of the inaugural Basque Culinary World Prize. The new award will honor one standout chef of any nationality who best demonstrates how gastronomy can be a powerful force for change.

According to a press release, the winner's impact will have been felt beyond the kitchen and improved society in some way. This could be through culinary innovation; a commitment to social responsibility, sustainability or the economic development of the community; involvement in health or environmental campaigns; the promotion of pioneering cultural projects; or works that benefit society through their positive impact on the food industry.

To be considered for the prize, chefs have to be nominated online by a professional from the world of gastronomy. The prize jury includes chefs on the International Council of the Basque Culinary Center, chaired by Joan Roca (Spain): Gastón Acurio (Peru), Ferran Adrià (Spain), Alex Atala (Brazil), Dan Barber (U.S.), Heston Blumenthal (U.K.), Massimo Bottura (Italy), Michel Bras (France), Yukio Hattori (Japan), Enrique Olvera (Mexico) and René Redzepi (Denmark).

To judge the prize, the council will be joined by leading experts in related disciplines (such as food supplying and food writing). After nominations are narrowed down to 20 finalists, the winner of the inaugural award will be announced on July 11, 2016. For more information, head to the prize's official website.