At the 15th edition of Gastronomy Week in Lithuania, Restaurant Detective, a French-Belgian restaurant located in the heart of Vilnius Old Town, was voted the festival’s top venue — earning the most guest votes and securing the title of Gastronomy Week Star.
Among the highlights of their special menu was a dessert that stood out across the entire festival: Three Panna Cottas Assorti, prepared using Prema Vanilla beans grown in Madagascar.
A Dessert That Captured Attention
Guests praised the dessert not only for its refined presentation but also for the unmistakable depth of real vanilla flavor. This recognition didn’t happen by chance. The key ingredient — Prema Vanilla’s single-origin vanilla beans — brought complexity, floral richness, and natural sweetness that elevated the dish far beyond the ordinary.
Unlike many suppliers, Prema Vanilla does not buy vanilla from third parties. Instead, the company cultivates its own vanilla beans on its own farms in Madagascar, ensuring full control over quality, traceability, and sustainability.
The Importance of Real Madagascar Vanilla
Vanilla is one of the most sought-after spices in the world — and Madagascar vanilla is considered the gold standard. Prema Vanilla farms follow ethical and sustainable agricultural practices, hand-pollinating every orchid, sun-curing every pod, and selecting only the finest beans for their partners in the culinary world.
This direct approach guarantees not only exceptional taste and aroma but also supports local communities through long-term employment and infrastructure support.
A Win for Craft, Flavor, and Integrity
Restaurant Detective’s victory is a reflection of culinary creativity, but also a reminder of what real ingredients can achieve when paired with talent and passion. The restaurant’s team, led by chef Gediminas Merkys and owner Robertas Meržvinskas, received widespread recognition during the festival week — with fully booked tables and media attention across the country.
The dessert featuring Prema Vanilla beans played a meaningful role in this success, and we’re honored to be part of this achievement.
Prema Vanilla – From Farm to Fork
From the fields of Madagascar to award-winning European restaurants, Prema Vanilla is proud to supply premium vanilla beans that meet the highest standards of quality, ethics, and traceability.
Whether it’s a panna cotta in Vilnius or a custard in Paris, we believe the best flavor begins with respect — for the plant, the farmer, and the final dish.
