Göhren, 5 November 2026. When top chefs put on their chef's jackets, the kitchen becomes a stage and guests do not just watch but get to have their say, it is kitchen party time at Vju Hotel Rügen. Yesterday, on Wednesday evening, 4 November, the hotel was transformed into a vibrant meeting place for food lovers under the motto "Battle of the arcona Chefs". Almost 150 guests enjoyed an evening full of culinary surprises, personal encounters and an exciting competition in which it was not a panel of experts but the audience who chose the winners.
The chefs took centre stage, showcasing their skills at various live cooking stations and delighting guests with their creations. But the evening was about much more than who could put the best dish on the plate. The special atmosphere of a kitchen party comes from the fact that the usually clear line between kitchen and dining room disappears. Guests were welcome to taste, talk shop, ask questions and look over the professionals' shoulders as they worked.
Things got particularly exciting when it came to voting for the most popular dishes of the evening. Guests were able to choose their personal favourites, resulting in an extremely close outcome.
First place went to TV chef Ralf Zacherl with his vegetarian gnocchi. Soft, hearty and full of flavour, his dish proved that great cooking does not always need a grand performance. Sometimes it is the seemingly simple things that impress the most.
Just two votes behind, Björn Weber, head chef at Vju Hotel Rügen, took second place. His tender saddle of venison brought autumn to the plate and impressed with fine aromas, craftsmanship and a successful combination of regional ingredients and refinement. Third place went to Sprottentoni, whose succulent halibut provided maritime moments of indulgence. A creation that brought the taste of the sea into the hotel and could hardly have suited its Baltic Sea location better.
As different as the dishes were, they all had one thing in common: they showed how diverse and creative modern cuisine can be and how much joy is created when chefs share their passion directly with their guests.
For hotel director Vincent Friedebold, the kitchen party was also a complete success: "Our kitchen party at the Vju yesterday was a thoroughly successful evening. It was wonderful to see how our guests enjoyed the special atmosphere, the culinary variety and the direct exchange with our kitchen team. My special thanks go to the entire team, whose passion and dedication made this evening something special."
Alongside the culinary competition, the focus was above all on the shared experience. The relaxed atmosphere, the personal conversations with the chefs and the joy of discovering new flavours made the event a special evening of indulgence on Rügen.
The fundraising campaign for the arcona Hilfsfonds e. V. also showed how well enjoyment and social responsibility go together. A total of 395 euros was raised over the evening, which will benefit a regional social project. The specific project to be supported will be decided in the coming days.
The non-profit association supports people and initiatives in need and places particular emphasis on the close ties between the arcona hotels and their respective regions.
How lasting the enthusiasm for the event format is became clear during the kitchen party itself: 18 guests signed up that very evening for next year's edition on Saturday, 6 November 2027.
The hosts could hardly wish for a greater compliment. Once again, the "Battle of the arcona Chefs" showed that the best moments of indulgence arise where passion, creativity and hospitality come together.
And one thing is already certain: anticipation for the next kitchen party at Vju Hotel Rügen is running high.
Vju Hotel Rügen is situated on a hill in the Baltic seaside resort of Göhren and combines hospitality, fine food and relaxation with a special view of the Baltic Sea. The hotel is part of the arcona Hotels & Resorts portfolio and, with its location, its restaurants and its varied events, is a meeting place for holidaymakers and locals alike.
Founded in 2008 and based in Rostock, arcona Hotels & Resorts specialises in the operation and development of first-class leisure and holiday hotels. The seven current arcona properties are located in renowned cultural and holiday destinations such as Rügen, Sylt, Usedom and Weimar. The portfolio includes the well-known Hotel Elephant Weimar, the traditional Hotel Kaiserhof on Usedom and Golfclub Schloss Teschow. As a licensee of the Barefoot concept developed by Til Schweiger, arcona also operates Barefoot Hotels in established destinations such as Mallorca. The owners and shareholders of arcona are Alexander Winter and Treugast founder Prof. Stephan Gerhard. The company's headquarters is the listed Zeeck'sche Villa in Rostock.
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