Michelin-star chefs unite for global Momentum dinners to foster culinary innovation and dialogue

On 13^th April, chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants all over the world will collaborate in a series of 19 dinners held simultaneously in 13 countries, as part of a new initiative called Momentum, organised by the association Les Grandes Tables du Monde. The event, which coincides with the International Day of Gastronomy, aims to foster creative exchange and dialogue between some of the leading figures in contemporary cuisine.

Among the high-profile collaborations, Josiah Citrin, chef-owner of the two Michelin-starred Mélisse in Santa Monica, will travel to Lyon, France, to cook at the renowned Restaurant Paul Bocuse. There, he will join resident chefs Gilles Reinhardt, Olivier Couvin and Benoît Charvet. Reflecting on the significance of cooking at such an iconic establishment, Citrin said: “Paul Bocuse is a legend who has given so much to our craft and profession. We’ll be creating dishes rooted in our California Coastal cuisine, with a thoughtful nod to the spirit and technique of Paul Bocuse.”

Simultaneously, Tohru Nakamura, chef of the three Michelin-starred Tohru in der Schreiberei in Munich, will be in Valence, France, working alongside Anne-Sophie Pic at her three Michelin-starred Maison Pic. Both chefs share a connection to Japanese cuisine, which is anticipated to inform their collaborative menu. Nakamura commented: “It will be interesting to see how I, a chef who is half Japanese and half German and deeply influenced by French cuisine, exchange ideas with a French chef who has a very deep connection with Japan.”

What distinguishes this year’s Momentum event is its approach to chef pairings. For the first time in the history of Les Grandes Tables du Monde, the collaborations were determined by a random draw, rather than by the chefs themselves, with the intention to encourage unexpected partnerships and fresh perspectives. David Sinapian, president of the association, explained, “It is about moving together, not through homogeneity, but through dialogue”. 

In total, the event will involve chefs whose restaurants collectively hold 76 Michelin stars. While the dinners are expected to attract significant interest from food enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, organisers emphasise that the primary goal is to spark meaningful conversations and innovation in gastronomy.

Food Desk

Momentum takes place on 13^th April 2026 at restaurants across the world. For the full line-up or to book a table at one of the participating restaurants, visit the initiative’s website here.