Cosmos, Vladislav Penov and Bulgaria’s place at the JRE table

Curiosity and passion are two of the great forces in cooking.

They send chefs beyond familiar boundaries and back towards their roots, encouraging them to experiment and tell stories through flavour. That shared impulse helped give rise to JRE, Jeunes Restaurateurs, in the 1970s: an international community of chefs and restaurateurs brought together by their talent and love of food.

The network brings together hundreds of restaurants and hotels across several countries,

with Bulgaria formally welcomed in 2024. JRE represents an approach as much as a badge: a clear culinary identity, respect for ingredients and their origins, and a belief that gastronomy is a living culture. Its membership criteria focus on young chefs and restaurateurs, rather than treating the restaurant simply as a destination on a list.

One of the faces of JRE Bulgaria is Cosmos, with its head chef and co-founder Vladislav Penov. His cooking began with an affection for family recipes, which he has gradually developed into dishes of his own. He built his experience in Bulgarian restaurants and further afield,

including Brasserie Blanc, Relæ in Copenhagen and work with Magnus Nilsson.

At Cosmos, Bulgarian traditions meet contemporary techniques in food that explores the flavours of the Balkans. An interior inspired by sacred geometry and celestial phenomena carries the idea beyond the plate. Penov’s experience and distinctive approach have made him a prominent figure in Bulgaria’s restaurant scene.

International recognition followed through The Best Chef, whose awards consider chefs and their contribution to gastronomy. Penov received its One Knife distinction, classified as Excellent, recognising a high level of culinary skill.

The distinction puts him in international company

and adds to Cosmos’s reputation as a Bulgarian dining destination. JRE membership is another part of that story: Bulgarian cooking finding an international audience without losing its character. Mastercard’s partnership belongs here too. A supporter of JRE and the European Michelin scene, the brand offers selected dining experiences through priceless.com, including chef’s tables, tasting menus and masterclasses. Specific experiences and eligibility depend on the offer available at the time of booking.

At the time of the Bulgarian article, Mastercard Day advertised 10% cashback on eligible Tuesday spending at restaurants, cafés and food-delivery services. The original campaign link is retained for reference. This dated reference does not establish that the promotion is available now.

A Tuesday worth making plans for

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