Benoît Chicot, 2027 Young Talent Award, Normandy

On Monday, September 21, 2026, professionals from the Normandy culinary scene gathered at the SALL’IN hall in Cabourg for the Gault&Millau Tour Normandie awards ceremony. Benoît Chicot, chef at La Toile de Lin (1 toque) in Doudeville, received the 2027 Young Talent Award. This is a recognition for the 29-year-old chef, whose fine-dining restaurant opened in October 2024.

Training at the Manoir de Rétival

Benoît Chicot began his training under David Goerne, a German chef who has been based in Normandy since 2009 as head chef at the Manoir de Rétival. It was in those kitchens that he honed his technique, learned discipline, and developed a love for quality ingredients. He left the Manoir de Rétival with his partner Margaux to explore Europe as true epicureans, in search of flavors from around the world.

La Toile de Lin: A Joint Venture

Upon returning from their travels, Margaux and Benoît set out to find a restaurant to take over, with no other requirement than that it be love at first sight. They discovered Le P’tit Gourmet in Doudeville and fell in love with it before buying it. The choice of location was no accident: Doudeville is nicknamed the “linen capital,” a nod to which can even be found in the restaurant’s name, La Toile de Lin. In October 2024, the couple opened their restaurant at 4 Rue Carnot. Since then, the chef has been serving dishes that highlight local and seasonal ingredients, blending Norman tradition with a creative menu.

Check out the Gault&Millau Normandy Guide 2027, available in bookstores on Thursday, September 24, 2026.