Local Chef Alen Lukinykh Wins Lavry Culinary Competition in Gelendzhik

Alen Lukinykh from Gelendzhik Wins Grand Finale of Lavry Culinary Competition

The winner of this year's grand finale is Alen Lukinykh from Gelendzhik, who competed for the second consecutive year. As his prize, he will have the opportunity to intern at one of Hungary's top-tier restaurants, organizers told Kubanskiye Novosti.

Additionally, the competition awarded a special prize in the "Borjomi's Choice: Harmony of Taste" category. Ilya Voroshilov from Kemerovo earned the highest scores for the flavor of his dish, securing the win.

The Lavry competition is an annual industry event designed to support young, talented chefs from across Russia and foster dialogue within the gastronomic community. The project also addresses key sector challenges, including the shortage of skilled professionals, by generating interest in the culinary profession and creating pathways for career growth.

Victory in the competition represents not just recognition from industry peers but also a significant step forward in a chef's career. The top prize—a prestigious internship in Hungary—opens new doors, allowing the winner to broaden their professional horizons and gain firsthand experience in some of the world's leading restaurants.

"This competition has been an incredibly valuable experience for me," said Lukinykh. "It was a chance to test my skills, work under intense competition, and connect with top chefs and colleagues from different regions. I'm thrilled to have won and confident this will help me see my career potential in a whole new light."

As part of the event, the special "Borjomi's Choice: Harmony of Taste" award was presented to Voroshilov, whose dish received the highest marks for its flavor profile. The prize underscores taste as a cornerstone of professional culinary evaluation.

The finale took place at Gelendzhik Arena, a venue in a city that continues to grow as a gastronomic destination while strengthening its position in the broader HoReCa sector.