Belgian restaurants are always highly rated internationally. The country boasts being among best in the culinary world, a claim quite justified from a gastronomic classification published earlier this year with three establishments featuring in the top 100 ranking.

Thus it was in January that the Bailliage was once again delighted to accept another invitation from His Excellency Andy Detaille, Chevalier d’Honneur, Ambassador of Belgium to Kuwait, to enjoy a gala event in the Ambassador's residence.

Heading the team catering for the event was an Austrian, Mario Baruffi, Director of Culinary at the IHG Crowne Plaza & Holiday Inn al Thuraya City.

Having started his culinary journey with the InterContinental Hotels Group in 1982 at the InterContinental Vienna, Chef Baruffi had only returned to the IHG fold a short time before the dinner.

Thrilled to also be back in Kuwait, he is relishing the challenge of developing the skills and passion to do things right for the large culinary department at the Crowne Plaza & Holiday Inn al Thuraya City.

At the end of service Bailli Délégué Mohamed Najia and Ambassador Detaille led the congratulations for the culinary team.

It was clear from the quality of the fare presented to the members and guests that the staff members now under Mario Baruffi’s leadership were already achieving a high standard.