Blancpain, partner of the Michelin Guide, presented the Michelin Chef Mentor Award to Heinz Beck, the celebrated and multi-starred chef of Rome's La Pergola restaurant.
Not only hands. For some years now, in fact, Blancpain is also a partner of the Michelin Guide. Explaining the affinity between two seemingly distant fields, such as haute cuisine and haute horology, was the same Roberto Castagna, Blancpain brand director, during the Michelin 2026 star award ceremony: 'Haute Horlogerie enthusiasts are often also fans of haute cuisine, because to appreciate both spheres requires sensitivity and a sense of beauty. In a starred kitchen, precision and harmony between the parts are essential, just like in a movement. Moreover, in both areas it is the human element that makes the difference. Heinz Beck of Rome's La Pergola restaurant received the Michelin Chef Mentor Award offered by Blancpain, for his commitment to the cultural growth of contemporary gastronomy.
"In more than twenty years of three Michelin Stars, Heinz Beck has transformed La Pergola into a laboratory of gastronomic excellence, where generations of young chefs have been able to train under the guidance of a master capable of transmitting a unique vision of cuisine: that of lightness, balance and well-being. His approach, the result of constant collaboration with the academic and scientific world, has redefined the concept of haute cuisine, combining taste and health in an innovative way. Heinz Beck is not only an extraordinarily talented chef, but also a tireless communicator and educator, who has contributed decisively to the cultural growth of contemporary gastronomy,' is the motivation for the awarding of this prestigious prize, as mentioned offered by Blancpain.
In addition, the Michelin Guide confirms Emilia-Romagna as the stage for the presentation ceremony of the Italy selection, once again choosing Parma, city already a protagonist of the event from 2016 to 2018. After celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Michelin Guide Italy, the presentation of the 2026 selection marks the start of celebrations for Michelin's 120th anniversary in our country. The 71st edition thus becomes the starting point of a long, year-long celebration, enhancing the historical link between Michelin Italiana and the territory, where the company stands out as the largest employer and leading national producer by production capacity in the industry.
Blancpain with the Michelin Guide 2026
The presentation ceremony of the 2026 selection of the Michelin Guide Italy was held at the Teatro Regio in Parma.
To announce the new Michelin Guide Italy, the Teatro Regio in Parma on 19 November opened its doors for a ceremony hosted by Giorgia Surina, attended by over 500 guests, between chefs, journalists, industry professionals and institutional representatives. This year, the Michelin Guide Italy celebrates 25 new additions to the list of starred restaurants: a new restaurant awarded three Michelin Stars is added, bringing the total number of restaurants representing absolute excellence in the country to 15. In addition, two new restaurants were awarded two Michelin Stars and no fewer than 22 with one Michelin Star. Overall, the 2026 selection of the Michelin Guide Italy includes 394 starred restaurants, spread across the country.
"This new selection reflects the exceptional energy and inventiveness of the protagonists of Italian gastronomy. Animated by passion and great savoir-faire, producers, artisans and chefs make Italy shine thanks to exceptional raw materials and a remarkable capacity for innovation. The new restaurants that join the Guide this year, along with those that confirm their presence, enrich a unique culinary heritage, combining tradition and creativity. Thanks to this wealth and the commitment of these professionals, the Michelin Italy Guide remains an international reference and an invitation to explore and appreciate memorable flavours. We are proud to celebrate this excellence, a true ambassador of Italian culture in the world," commented Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of Guide Michelin.
