On a crisp October morning, the bustling halls of Paris’s Gare de Lyon transformed into a live culinary arena, complete with sizzling pans, camera flashes, and the unmistakable aroma of creativity. The occasion? A first-of-its-kind collaboration between TGV Lyria and gatesolutions Helvetia, bringing the world of fine dining directly to the heart of railway travel.
For three hours, four promising young chefs competed before a live audience, under the discerning eyes of two culinary legends: Michel Roth, Meilleur Ouvrier de France and Bocuse d’Or winner, and Danny Khezzar, the charismatic Top Chef 2023 finalist. Their mission: reinterpret Franco-Swiss gastronomy through a dish that reflects the Première Signature experience—TGV Lyria’s most exclusive onboard service.
The energy was electric. Each chef infused their plate with a blend of tradition and innovation, aiming to capture the spirit of two nations connected by high-speed travel and shared appreciation for great cuisine.
When the jury narrowed the competition to two finalists, the stage shifted, this time, to the train itself. Onboard a TGV Lyria journey to Geneva, Première Signature passengers were invited to taste, savour, and vote for their favourite creation. It was an unprecedented moment in the railway industry: a live competition that extended seamlessly from station to train.
The result was unanimous. Juliette Dufêtre’s delicate yet expressive dish won both the hearts and palates of passengers. Her winning recipe will be featured on the Première Signature menu starting November 16, 2025.
“Our ambition with TGV Lyria has always been to elevate travel into an experience, one that awakens the senses,” said Valentin Thomas, CEO of gatesolutions Helvetia. “This competition embodies that vision, showcasing our shared passion for excellence and hospitality.”
This event is a statement. It marks a first in the railway industry, proving that train travel can rival the sophistication of fine dining at 300 km/h.
gatesolutions as a part of gategroup, has long been the creative force behind TGV Lyria’s Première Signature culinary offering. From à la carte dining and bar service to a thoughtful approach to sustainability and local sourcing, every element is designed to reflect the art of Franco-Swiss living.
As TGV Lyria passengers embark on their next journey between Paris and Geneva, they can look forward to more than just the view, it’s now a journey of taste, talent, and shared excellence.
About gategroup
gategroup is the global leader in airline catering, retail-on-board and hospitality products and services. gategroup provides passengers with superior culinary and retail experiences, leveraging innovation and advanced technology solutions. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, gategroup delivers operational excellence through the most extensive catering network in the aviation industry, serving passengers from over 200 operating units in over 60 countries/territories across all continents. For further information, please visit: www.gategroup.com
