With a reception at Zweiffel Castle in Bergisch Gladbach-Herrenstrunden on Tuesday (August 4), District Administrator Arne von Boetticher honored the latest Michelin awards for top restaurants in the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis district. Together with the tourism organization Das Bergische and the organizers of the Bergische Genusstage (Bergisch Culinary Days), he recognized the region's award-winning chefs. Nelson Müller, as well as Christopher and Alejandro Wilbrand, were present in person. Jörg Stricker, General Manager of the Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg, accepted the award on behalf of Dennis Kuckuck for the Vendôme restaurant.
With a total of four Michelin stars across three restaurants, the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis district once again ranks among North Rhine-Westphalia's leading gourmet regions. "The Michelin awards are a special recognition of exceptional craftsmanship, passion, and the highest standards. Our star chefs exemplify the high quality of gastronomy in the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis district and thus make a valuable contribution to the appeal of our region. It was a great pleasure for me to personally acknowledge these outstanding achievements today," said District Administrator Arne von Boetticher.
Gabi Wilhelm, Managing Director of Das Bergische, also emphasized the importance of top-class gastronomy for the region's tourism development: "Outstanding gastronomy is far more than just culinary enjoyment today – it is a key reason for travel. Our Michelin-starred chefs contribute to people visiting the Bergisches Land region, staying overnight here, and experiencing our nature, culture, and hospitality."
At the same time, they create a greater sense of belonging and quality of life for the people who live here and frequent their restaurants. In doing so, they strengthen the tourist profile of our region and make the Bergisches Land visible far beyond its borders.” Following the speeches, District Administrator Arne von Boetticher presented the Michelin-starred chefs with high-quality kitchen knives as a token of appreciation. During the subsequent get-together, the guests had the opportunity to mingle and exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere about the development of haute cuisine and its significance for the region. They also enjoyed an exclusive tour of the historic rooms of Zweiffel Castle, led by the castle's owners, Katja van Elst and Hendrik Walter, who are still awaiting its official opening. Among the guests were Markus Bartha, organizer of the Bergische Genusstage (Bergisch Culinary Days); Wolfgang Bosbach and Dieter Müller, ambassadors for the Bergische Genusstage; Laura Lundberg, Mayor of Odenthal; and Brigitta Opiela, Deputy Mayor of Bergisch Gladbach. With its unique ambiance, Zweiffel Castle provided the perfect setting to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Michelin-starred chefs, who contribute to the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis and the Bergisches Land region's reputation for high-quality cuisine.
You can download more pictures from the district administrator's reception for the star chefs via the following link: https://www.picdrop.com/lukasschulze/PiNiqyekzs
Please note the photographer's terms of use: The images may only be used for editorial purposes and solely in connection with the reception honoring the star chefs of the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis on August 4, 2026. Archiving the images is not permitted. The source credit "© Lukas Schulze" must be included with every publication.
