We are proud to share that two members of the CROCUS Core Development Team, Andrea Gerencsér and Janka Gerencsér, have received outstanding professional recognition at the prestigious Gault&Millau Restaurant Guide Awards Gala.
Janka Gerencsér was honored for her work with the Lokalista restaurant in Nagykanizsa, while her parents, Andrea and László Gerencsér, received one chef’s hat for their leadership of the Szőlőskert restaurant. Janka’s husband, Richárd Csillag, who works as a chef at Lokal at the Lake in Fonyód and at Lokalista in Nagykanizsa, was awarded the title of Young Talent of the Year.
These achievements not only reflect personal excellence but also demonstrate that exceptional culinary quality, professional expertise, and dedication can thrive in rural regions as well. In the Zala–Pomurske area, gastronomy stands as one of the strongest cultural and economic pillars—a foundation upon which further development can confidently build.
The awarded professionals serve as examples not only in hospitality but also in knowledge sharing: through workshops, they pass on their experiences to the public, while their shop and presence at local farmers’ markets make high-quality local ingredients accessible.
This approach strengthens not only the region’s gastronomic appeal but also contributes to sustainability: using locally sourced ingredients supports small producers, reduces ecological footprints, and enhances the community’s economic self-reliance.
For the CROCUS project, these accomplishments serve as an excellent example of how gastronomy can act as a bridge—connecting the preservation of cultural heritage, sustainable development, and the economic empowerment of rural areas.
