Sommelier Ellen Destuyver and chef Dennis Broeckx from the restaurant Butcher’s Dining will represent Belgium in the biennial international gastronomic event that will take place in 2027 in Jerez de la Frontera.
Antwerp, September 14, 2026 – The Belgian team taking part in the final of the Copa Jerez international competition has been announced. Sommelier Ellen Destuyver and chef Dennis Broeckx working together were chosen to represent Belgium at the 12th Copa Jerez competition.
The mission for the selection
For this pre-selection of the Copa Jerez competition, the assignment is clear. Each team, a sommelier, and a chef, proposes a menu with a starter, a main course and, of course, a dessert, in which Sherry wine plays the main role in harmony with the culinary creations put together by the team. The competition saw numerous participants submitting their menus, with 4 meeting the stringent criteria required for evaluation.
The four finalist teams were:
- Restaurant Butcher’s Dining, Hove, near Antwerp - Chef Dennis Broeckx and Sommelier Ellen Destuyver
- Restaurant Decan, Antwerp - Chef Jan Decan and Sommelier Evelien Vermeiren
- Restaurant Pré de Chez Vous*, Namur - Chef Julien Malaisse and Sommelier Colin Lurot
- Restaurant Taberna Bask, Ghent - Chef Florian Duyck and Sommelier Elke De Meurichy
The winning team, Butcher’s Dining Restaurant, will showcase their award-winning menu at the Copa Jerez Forum & Competition in 2027, where they will compete against top teams from Spain, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Mexico
The Winning Team and Their Menu
The winning team from Butcher’s Dining impressed the five-member expert jury with three bold and nuanced pairings, in which the Sherry wines elevated each dish. The judges praised the menu for its particularly striking combinations and its willingness to push boundaries. Their winning dishes were:
· Starter:
o Salmon Sashimi / Miso / Sourdough Crisp / Fennel & Green Apple / Lemon Ponzu Vinaigrette / Furikake
o Fino en Rama from Valdespino
· Main dish:
o Grilled Iberico Presa / Caballero Tartare / Sea Lavender & Green Peas / Shellfish Jus / Black Olive Crumble
o Amontillado en Rama from Santa Petronila
· Dessert:
o Fresh & fluffy Goat’s Cheese / Lemon & Chamomile / Pear / Almond, White Chocolate & Sea Salt Streusel
o Bota 102 Palo Cortado from Equipo Navazos
Copa Jerez Forum and Competition, the biggest Spanish cooking show
Butcher’s Dining Restaurant is now preparing to represent Belgium at the Copa Jerez Forum & Competition in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, in 2027. This prestigious biennial event is one of the largest international gastronomic gatherings focused on Sherry wines. It will showcase top chefs, sommeliers, and winemakers from around the globe over two days of exceptional culinary performances and wine tastings.
The Copa Jerez Forum & Competition, held every two years, is renowned for its celebration of Sherry wines and high-level gastronomy. In 2027, the event will be hosted in Jerez de la Frontera, bringing together the foremost experts in the culinary and wine industries. Attendees will experience a series of top-tier culinary demonstrations and wine tastings; all centered around the rich heritage of Jerez wines. Over 200 distinguished professionals from both gastronomy and the wine sector will gather to engage in tastings and discussions, highlighting the significance of Jerez in the global culinary landscape.
The Distinguished Jury of the Copa Jerez Belgium Final
The selection process for the Copa Jerez Belgium final was overseen by a distinguished panel of experts, reflecting the high standards of this prestigious competition. The Belgian jury comprised:
· Kristel Balcaen: wine writer and expert in food and wine pairings.
· Nick Bril: head chef at The Jane, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Antwerp.
· Stéphane Dardenne: Best Sommelier of Belgium 2022.
· Sophie Moens: food journalist and presenter of “Bientôt à table!” on RTBF.
· Kathleen Van den Berghe: Belgian Master of Wine and wine producer.
Together, this esteemed jury evaluated the finalists' culinary creations and Sherry pairings with a keen eye for quality and originality, ensuring that the competition upheld its reputation for excellence.
For more info and additional photo material, please contact:
· Alice Bown Agency
o t: +32 478 74 25 51
· Trade and Economic Office of the Spanish Embassy in Brussels
o t: + 32 2 551 10 40
o e: bruselas@comercio.mineco.es
Details of the winning team restaurant Butcher’s Dining:
· Restaurant Butcher’s Dining - https://www.butchersdining.be/
o t: +32 3 455 63 71
o e: bistro@delaet-vanhaver.com
The other three teams finished ex aequo:
· Restaurant Decan- https://www.restaurantdecan.be/
o Chef: Jan Decan
o Sommelier: Evelien Vermeiren
· Restaurant Pré de Chez Vous* - https://www.predechezvous.be/
o Chef: Julien Malaisse
o Sommelier: Colin Lurot
· Restaurant Taberna Bask - https://tabernabask.be/
o Chef: Florian Duyck
o Sommelier: Elke De Meurichy
