Neumann got Gold for Germany at WorldSkill International

“And the winner is: Florian Neumann,” was the announcement on September 7, 2009 in Calgary, Canada at WorldSkill International, the international world championship for young chefs. Germany’s most successful junior chef can look back on one week of new impressions and trials, during which Neumann had to demonstrate his skills and emerged as undisputed winner. He had prevailed against 33 competitors from as many nations.

The 20-year old served his apprenticeship as chef at Maritim Strandhotel Travemünde from 2005-2008 and successfully participated in a number of competitions for apprentices during that time. After his apprenticeship he worked under star chef Lutz Niemann at restaurant “Orangerie” at Maritim Seehotel in Timmendorfer Strand, during which time he won first place in the 29th German Youth Championships, which took place in October 2008 at Steigenberger Grandhotel Petersberg in Königswinter. He was given top scores in both expertise and theory and was not only announced Germany’s best junior chef but given the additional honor of “Best of the Best”. This resulted in his invitation to the world championships in Calgary which he spent the past months preparing for in his new appointment as Demichef de Partie at Grand Restaurant “M” of Maritim Hotel Berlin. Florian Neumann has a straightforward explanation for his success: Don’t be distracted, avoid complicated worksteps and cook accurately – without unnecessary frills!

Chairman Gerd Prochaska and Reinhold Schuwer, kitchen chef of Grand “M” at Maritim Hotel Berlin, are proud of their protégé and share his excitement for the title of world champion. “We are very happy for Florian Neumann! Prevailing against 33 competitors on such high level is an achievement well worth to rejoice at,” said Prochaska.

WorldSkills International has young specialists and junior chefs from all over the world up to 22 years of age match their skills and expertise in around 50 disciplines.

Gerd Prochaska, chairman of hotel company Maritim, and Lutz Niemann, kitchen chef of the “Orangerie” at Maritim Hotel Timmendorfer Strand, congratulate Florian Neumann (center) on his victory in the 29th German Youth Championships in November 2008