The newest addition to the 50 Best family will complement the annual ranking of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants with a list of young people shaping the future of gastronomy
Here at 50 Best, we love a good list.
Over the last two decades, we’ve celebrated high-end restaurants and bars, which is something we will always be passionate about. We have shone a spotlight on cities and cultures that weren’t always known as global destinations for great food and drink, and we’re proud of our efforts to bring attention to some of the more undiscovered corners of the world. So what’s next?
People.
People are at the heart of every restaurant and bar in the world, but we don’t just want to celebrate the people who work in bars and restaurants. We want to celebrate the people who power the entire gastronomic universe.
That is why today we are announcing 50 Next.
50 Next is a new list that celebrates people – not just bartenders, chefs and restaurateurs, but people working in every area of the food ecosystem, from independent farmers and small producers to scientists, activists and app creators.
Together with the experts at the internationally renowned Basque Culinary Center in San Sebastian, Spain, we have developed the concept of 50 Next to inspire, empower and connect young people who are truly pushing boundaries and tackling challenges from fresh perspectives. A list, but not a ranking, it seeks to celebrate and shine a spotlight on the next generation of people paving the way for a brighter future.
We are excited to reveal the first 50 Next list on 22 February 2021, with later events held in Bilbao in the Spanish region of Biscay, the official Host Destination Partner of 50 Next.
How to apply or nominate
Applications for the 50 Next list are open from today until 12 November 2020. In contrast to the 50 Best lists, which are formed through the votes of an anonymous jury, 50 Next is open to applicants from all countries and backgrounds to apply or nominate.
We are looking for:
- People aged 35 or under* (If you are over 35 but starting a new career path, you can also apply, provided you have a maximum of three years’ experience in your chosen field)
- People working at all levels and in all areas of gastronomy, or in disciplines that have a direct impact on gastronomy, including, but not limited to: activists, chefs, consumers, designers, distributors, educators, entrepreneurs, farmers, fishers, food and drink writers, non-profit workers, researchers, restaurateurs, scientists, sommeliers, tech creators, winemakers and more
- People who are pushing the boundaries of gastronomy and tackling challenges from fresh perspectives
- People who have achieved results or shown clear progress through their work towards a particular goal
* Applicants should be 35 or under on 22 February 2021
You can also nominate someone else for the list: perhaps you have a supplier to your restaurant or bar who deserves recognition. You can nominate a co-worker, manager, mentor, friend or even a member of family – your relationship to them isn’t important; what matters is your nomination.
Click here to apply or nominate.
The Best of the Best
Some of the chefs whose restaurants have ascended into the Best of the Best group, from left: Massimo Bottura, René Redzepi, Ferran Adrià, Joan Roca and Daniel Humm
Of course, it wouldn’t be 50 Best without the involvement of some of the biggest names in gastronomy, so 50 Next will join forces with the Best of the Best, the group of seven restaurants that have achieved the title of World’s Best Restaurant over the history of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
As we welcome the next generation of future shapers, we will draw on the experience and leadership of the people behind those restaurants to lend their leadership lessons and mentorship to the individuals on the 50 Next lists through digital content and participation in live and virtual events.
Stay tuned for an interview with the Roca brothers of El Celler de Can Roca with stories of their failures and successes, tips on how to deal with conflict and the advice they would give to their younger selves.
Save the date
We want you, our global community of chefs, restaurateurs, bartenders, food and drink-lovers, international media and partners, to get involved and spread the word about 50 Next. And save the date: 22 February 2021, for the announcement of the first ever 50 Next, a list of people shaping the future of gastronomy.
Applications and nominations for 50 Next are open until 12 November 2020. For further information on the selection process, our partners and how to apply or nominate, visit theworlds50best.com/50next.
Follow 50 Best on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter and stay tuned for further updates on 50 Next.
