Guido Braeken Becomes a Member of Les Grandes Tables du Monde

One week after Guido Braeken of Create by Guido Braeken was once again awarded two stars by Michelin Netherlands, he became a member of Les Grandes Tables du Monde (LGTDM) on 12 October. This prestigious international organisation brings together around 200 Michelin-starred chefs from 28 countries.

It was major news in the international culinary world when six renowned French chefs joined forces in 1954 to defend the values of good living and good taste. Their names remain familiar to gourmands today: Jean Barnagaud (Prunier), René Lasserre (Lasserre), Raymond Oliver (Le Grand Véfour), Claude Terrail (Tour d’Argent), Louis Vaudable (Maxim’s) and André Vrinat (Taillevent). Their initiative was enthusiastically welcomed by their peers and ultimately led to the creation of Les Grandes Tables du Monde (LGTDM).

In its early years, LGTDM was primarily active in France and Belgium. Over the following decades, chefs from Germany, Italy, Austria, Spain, Slovenia and Switzerland also joined. Today, LGTDM brings together more than 200 Michelin-starred restaurants and chefs across 28 countries. While the vast majority are based in Western Europe, Les Grandes Tables du Monde has expanded significantly in recent years across Asia, including China, Japan, Singapore and Thailand, as well as the United States. Its twelve-member Board of Directors is chaired by David Sinapian (Pic).

Prospective members must meet a series of stringent standards and requirements relating to the quality and originality of their cuisine and the authenticity of their ingredients. They must also offer an outstanding wine selection and exceptional service. Candidates are required to achieve high scores across all criteria before being admitted. Only the very best are accepted into Les Grandes Tables du Monde.

How does current President David Sinapian describe the organisation?

Les Grandes Tables du Monde is an international community of restaurateurs who share a demanding, independent and committed vision of gastronomy. We see and defend haute cuisine as an expression of art. Our profession and our industry are constantly evolving and facing major challenges. Les Grandes Tables du Monde provides its members with a platform to exchange knowledge and experience and to join forces in promoting haute cuisine.

What does membership of Les Grandes Tables du Monde mean to Guido Braeken personally?

I have had a memorable week. First, Michelin Netherlands awarded me two stars for the second consecutive year. Then I was welcomed into the prestigious Les Grandes Tables du Monde organisation. Naturally, I am delighted and proud of these distinctions, as is the entire Create team. Membership of LGTDM feels like a tremendous honour and wonderful recognition of the work we achieve together as a team. Our passion for our profession drives us to give our very best every single day, ensuring that every guest at Create enjoys an unforgettable culinary experience.

Les Grandes Tables du Monde is an institution and is held in exceptionally high regard within the culinary world. You only have to look at its list of members to appreciate the illustrious company in which Guido and his team now find themselves. Naturally, we as a management team are extremely proud and grateful that the Create team has received this honour, particularly after just a year and a half.

In recent years, LGTDM has also gained considerable recognition among gourmands beyond Europe, opening up exciting new opportunities for both Create and Van Oys Maastricht Retreat. We expect to welcome food lovers from around the world in the months ahead. They can look forward to a warm welcome and an unforgettable culinary experience in a historic setting that embodies authenticity and tranquillity.