Food Influencers Awards Paris 2026

On a luminous spring evening in Paris, the 26th of April 2026, the City of Light became the stage for a rare and enchanting encounter between two great civilizations: France and Egypt. Under the high patronage of His Excellency Dr. Tarek Dahroug, Ambassador of Egypt to France, and his wife, Madam Aliaa Elserafy, in partnership with Hope Giver Campaign and its President, Anwar Elkamony, the 5th edition of the Food Influencers Awards unfolded like a living story, rich with flavor, elegance, and soul.

It was a celebration of fusion: the refined grace of French gastronomy meeting the warm, vibrant hospitality of Egypt. Together, they wove a tapestry of art de vivre, where every sense was awakened and every border gently dissolved.
The evening began with quiet magic. Renowned Top Chef Jeffrey Cagnes stepped forward and presented his exquisite Citron Basilic Tart. With its perfect harmony of bright citrus and fragrant basil, the dessert conquered every palate in the room. A respectful silence fell, followed by murmurs of delight. The first chapter of this unforgettable night had been written with finesse and emotion.
Around him, a constellation of talented chefs brought their worlds to life. Marta Biagianti from Restaurant Picotte, Glodi Limangi, George Mihali, and Cédric of "Un Parfum, Un Gâteau" hosted interactive workshops and tastings, each dish revealing a unique culinary signature, a story told through flavor, technique, and passion.

Then came the moment of recognition. Nicolas Tonino was awarded the Popularity Prize, chosen directly by the votes of the community. In the world of influence, two names shone brightly: Iris Kervran was crowned Best Food Influencer of the Year, while Elodie Yin won the award for Best Food Photo of the Year. The honors were bestowed by a distinguished jury of remarkable individuals: Martine Ackermann, President of the Child Care of Monaco Association and longtime Ambassador of the Food Influencers Awards; Isabell Kristensen, the internationally acclaimed fashion designer with boutiques in Monaco and London, herself a recipient of the Social Impact Award; gastronomy expert, author, and speaker Sébastien Ripari; Pierre Miecase, a worthy disciple of Escoffier and respected chef at the helm of several establishments; Sandrine Kauffer-Binz, journaliste Nouvelles Gastronomiques, author, and Alondra Brun, who earned her Bachelor's degree in International Hospitality and Restaurant Management from the prestigious Institut Paul Bocuse.
While the jury deliberated, the true spirit of art de vivre took center stage. Singer Lillian Nawrot carried the audience on a nostalgic musical journey through timeless French songs, her voice wrapping the room in golden memories. This was followed by an elegant fashion show by designer Iana Heel, who presented her sparkling and sophisticated collection. The show reached its poetic peak with a surprise inspired by Cleopatra and Cornelia. Iana herself opened the presentation with an artistic and deeply moving introduction that transported guests into a dreamlike, almost mythical realm.

The festive French spirit then exploded onto the scene as Monika Knap's dancers delivered a dazzling French Cancan performance. Swirling skirts, radiant smiles, and thunderous applause filled the air. Not to be outdone, the evening later surrendered to the exuberant rhythms of traditional Egyptian dances. Powerful dances, fluid movements, and contagious joy swept through the room, drawing everyone, French and Egyptian, influencers, chefs, artists, and guests alike into a shared celebration of life and energy.

At the heart of it all stood Andra Oprea, the founder and visionary behind the Food Influencers Awards. With quiet conviction, she declared:
"The 5th edition of the Food Influencers Awards, for the first time in Paris, was an immense success. Beyond all the connections, the scale of the event, the human sharing, and the beautiful synergies, there is this international resonance that builds bridges between nations, cultures, and visions. We reward those who shape food culture, we raise awareness, and we bring true societal values into the light. At the very core of how I create this event, there is one important aspect: showing authenticity through the art of living."

That day in Paris, the Food Influencers Awards composed a living chapter in a book that belongs to all those who still believe that authenticity at every level of living, flavour, emotion, and genuine connection have the power to bring worlds together.
And somewhere between a perfect citron basilic tart, a joyful French Cancan, and the hypnotic beat of Egyptian dances, the art of living reminded us once again of its timeless splendor.

By Andra Oprea