Małgorzata Figarska, Head of Gastronomy at the Manor House SPA hotel in Mazovia, has been invited for the third time to join the jury of the nationwide vegan cuisine competition Golden Artichoke 2026.
The Golden Artichoke 2026 competition was one of the highlights of the Gastrotargi SMAKKi program and the 12th edition of WorldFood Poland 2026, which took place on April 14–16, 2026 at EXPO XXI Warsaw. The event brought together hundreds of exhibitors from Poland and abroad, as well as representatives of the HoReCa industry, becoming one of the most important platforms for exchanging culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends.
Potato and herbs – local cuisine
“The Golden Artichoke” is a competition aimed at professional chefs, promoting plant-based cuisine as a space for creativity and culinary possibilities. Its goal is to recognize the best specialists in vegan cuisine and to show that plant-based dishes can delight with flavor and quality on par with traditional cooking. This year’s edition was held under the slogan “Potato and herbs – a plant-based foundation for creativity,” encouraging participants to create original dishes based on simple, local ingredients that, through modern interpretation, take on an entirely new character.
Vegan cuisine experts
The final of the vegan cuisine competition took place on April 14 this year during the SMAKKi Gastro Fair. The winners and those awarded received, among other things, internships with head chefs and stays at hotels whose representatives served on the jury. The jury consisted of: jury chair Katarzyna Gubała – a plant-based personality and ambassador of plant cuisine in Poland, Małgorzata Figarska – Head of Gastronomy at Manor House SPA****- Pałac Odrowążów*****, Arkadiusz Chwałek – Head Chef at Zamkowy Młyn, Michał Fabiszewski – Executive Chef at Sodexo Polska, Krzysztof Łoboda – Head Chef at Hotel Przystanek Toruń*** & Lokomotywa Restaurant, Hubert Woźnica, Head Chef at Hotel Q3 in Warsaw, Filip Piotrowski – Chief Executive Officer, MK Agro Production, and Jakub Reszka – Head Chef, culinary trainer, and ambassador of gastronomic brands.
A feminine perspective
Year after year, the level of the competition keeps rising, and the event itself is attracting increasing interest. Participants return, eager to take on new challenges. It’s a pleasure to watch them grow and to see plant-based cuisine making its mark more and more—not only as a trend, but also in professional culinary competitions. At the same time, new faces appear, bringing a fresh perspective that can truly surprise us. It’s an incredibly inspiring experience—even such a simple ingredient as the potato offers immense creative possibilities After this year’s edition of the competition, I’m returning full of positive energy and with a head full of ideas that will find their way into the kitchen at Manor House SPA.
Distinction in the Golden Artichoke competition
Piotr Wasilewski, who presented his award-winning potato and truffle croquette with white bean and black garlic purée (which took 4th place in the competition), will be coming to Manor House SPA for culinary inspiration—and more.
The renewed presence of the Manor House SPA Head of Gastronomy on the jury of this prestigious competition confirms the hotel’s strong position on Poland’s culinary map and recognizes its original culinary concept, which combines tradition with a modern approach to a healthy lifestyle. Cuisine plays a special role at Manor House SPA and is an integral part of its holistic philosophy. Many factors contribute to overall well-being here — the surrounding nature, the energy of the natural environment, the peace and tranquility of this adults-only hotel, unique attractions and relaxing Biovital SPA offerings, as well as a consciously composed menu. The hotel restaurant blends the richness of Polish culinary traditions (the Manor House SPA complex – Odrowąż Palace is one of the oldest noble estates in Poland) with modern trends, also offering an extensive plant-based menu, which is the first independent vegan menu in hotel gastronomy in the country.
Gastrotargi SMAKKI for HoReCa
From the perspective of the HoReCa industry, the SMAKKi trade fair was one of the most interesting parts of the entire WorldFood Poland 2026 event. Not only were products and solutions for gastronomy presented, but also current market development trends, new menu formats, and inspirations useful in the daily work of restaurateurs, chefs, and venue operators.
– Participation in events such as Gastrotargi SMAKKi and an active presence in the professional gastronomy community allow the Manor House SPA team to continuously develop their culinary offerings and draw inspiration from the latest trends, which translate into experiences for guests seeking harmony, flavor, and quality. We are proud that it is Małgorzata Figarska who leads our gastronomy and has been spreading her wings at Manor House SPA for 23 years, inspiring colleagues and delighting the palates of our Guests.
Potato in the leading role
On the second day of the fair, April 15th this year, at the MK Agro Production stand, visitors could sample warm potato appetizers with imaginative sauces prepared by: Małgorzata Figarska, Arkadiusz Chwałek, Michał Fabiszewski, and Krzysztof Łoboda, which proved that even such a simple vegetable as the potato can be the basis for exceptional, modern dishes and a feast full of flavor. More: www.manorhouse.pl
