The objective of this contest: invent, design then lay a table in celebration with real artistic sensitivity combined with technical knowledge. The choice of materials was completely optional. In order to set the scene, eight groups of first-year students in the International Hotel and Restaurant Management programme were able to associate a number of partners who accompanied them in the realization of their creations.

A jury, presided by designer Alain Vavro awarded the three most beautiful tables: The “Grand prize of the jury” was awarded to the “Quintessence” table, where by definition there was “what is the best and the most refined”: a completely transparent table, animated by bubbles of light, with rounded and very pure forms.

The “Professional” prize was awarded to the “Astréa” table, a symbol of pureness, perfection, hope and harmony… with a dove and its cup of feathers as the table centrepiece. As for the “Creativity” award, it was given to the table “Comme en forêt”, where wood, a natural material, was used for the legs, the table top and as a chandelier. These tables for tête-à-tête dining each awaken our senses – the first is visual – in a manner that is as complex as it is subtle.

The eight projects are on exhibit until 18 December at the experimental restaurant at the Institut Paul Bocuse Research Centre.