Tag Archive for: Michelin * Restaurants in Spain 2014

The Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal 2015 is just days away! We’ll keep you updated with the results of the Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain for 2015 on Wednesday, but in the meantime we’re showcasing some of the Best Michelin starred Chefs in Spain, if not the World! Our own Pre-Michelin Guide Spain 2015 SuperChef Series by Gourmand Breaks is an insight into the world of some of the current Michelin 3 star and Michelin 2 star chefs in Spain!

Previously, we showcased Michelin 3 star chefs Juan Mari Arzak, Martín Berasategui, Carme Ruscalleda, Quique Dacosta and David Muñoz plus Michelin 2 star chefs Paco Pérez, Andoni Luis Aduritz and Jordi Cruz.  In no particular order, today a Michelin 3 Starred chef with one of the Best Restaurants in the World and 2 expert side-kicks:

Joan Roca– Proudly heads the cuisine at Michelin 3 star restaurant El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, which is also placed 2nd in the Top 50 restaurants of the World list for 2014 by Restaurant magazine.  To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours :)

Joan Roca

Joan Roca was born in 1964 in Girona. His earliest memories of cooking are with his mother in the kitchen of their family owned restaurant  “Can Roca”, which opened in 1967 serving traditional Catalan cuisine. It is no surprise, therefore, that Joan Roca along with his brothers,  Josep and Jordi, ended up in the restaurant business.

Joan Roca studied at culinary school in Girona and worked at Georges Blanc in Vonnas as well as with Ferran Adrià at El Bulli.

In 1986 Joan Roca, along with his brothers, opened El Celler de Can Roca, next door to their parents’ restaurant Can Roca. The restaurant, however, was small, it was a tight, ill-suited space, with a small kitchen and a modest decor. In 2007 El Celler de Can Roca moved, basically down the road, to its current purpose built building with a kitchen large enough for 30 chefs and a dining room featuring wooden floors and simply dressed tables. The word “Roca” in the Catalan (and Spanish) language means “Rock” so on each table sits three stones which represent the three Roca brothers.

El Celler de Can Roca serves traditional Catalan cuisine, but with creative twists and unusual presentations via avant-garde and molecular gastronomy techniques. The wine cellar at El Celler de Can Roca restaurant  is extensive to say the least and houses around 60,000 bottles.

El Celler de Can Roca entered the Michelin starred restaurant  world in Spain with its first Michelin star in 1995. In 2002 El Celler de Can Roca received it’s second Michelin star and in 2009 the 3rd star arrived making El Celler de Can Roca the Michelin 3 star restaurant that it is today.

In 2006 El Celler de Can Roca entered the acclaimed Worlds Best 50 restaurants list, compiled by Restaurant Magazine, in 21st place, rising to 11th place in 2007 and then falling to 26th place in 2008.  In 2009 El Celler de Can Roca rose to 5th place and since then has always appeared in the Top 10 with it reaching the Number 1 spot, THE Best Restaurant in the World, in 2013. El Celler de Can Roca is currently, for 2014, placed in 2nd place behind Noma by René Redzepi, in Copenhagen.

Joan Roca dish

But, as mentioned, Joan Roca is not a solo artist here at Michelin 3 star restaurant El Celler de Can Roca. While Joan oversees the cuisine, his 2 younger brothers complete the restaurant with Josep selecting the wines and Jordi handling the pastry.

The 3 musketeers, or Rocateers if you will, react and interact with each other, combining their fortes, to present one the World’s Best Restaurants and Michelin 3 Starred restaurant El Celler de Can Roca:

Josep Roca – the middle brother and sommelier

Wine pairings are important and are evident in many of the signature dishes of El Celler de Can Roca, which are the result of a close collaboration between Josep and Joan – Josep breaks down the notes of a wine and Joan creates a dish to complement it.

Jordi Roca – the youngest brother and dessert chef

Desserts at El Celler de Can Roca also take on a modern twist.  Jordi Roca also studied at the Girona School of Hotel Industry and when finished he joined The Celler team. Here in the pastry and desserts section, he got to know Damian Allsop and discovered the secret of the craft of pastry. In 2000 when Allsop left El Celler de Can Roca, Jordi Roca became the manager of the restaurant desserts.  Jordi Roca is also the driving force behind Rocambolesc, an alternative but affordable vintage style ice cream shop in the center of Girona.

Also by the Roca Brothers:

Mas Marroch – located on the outskirts of Girona it is the El Celler de Can Roca branch for banquets and celebrations. It is a 15th century masia surrounded by nature in the middle of fruit trees offering El Celler de Can Roca classic contempory cuisine for banquets and celebrations.

Roca Moo – Barcelona

Michelin 1 star restaurant in the Hotel Omm, Barcelona. Modern Catalan cuisine with a special twist, overseen by El Celler de Can Roca.

Roca Bar – Barcelona

Casual yet creative cuisine served in the lobby bar of the Hotel Omm, Barcelona. The Roca brothers take on street-food that also inludes an oyster bar and hand sliced Joselito ham.

El Somni  a cross-media creation taking several forms: an ultimate dining experience, the making of a film, the conception of two exhibitions and the publishing of a book.  All outlining the process of creation and adventure and a union between the arts and the kitchen at the service of thought.

El Celler de Can Roca On Tour – In August of 2014 El Celler de Can Roca  hit the road, literally, staff and all, with “Roca & Roll,” the Rocas’ response to numerous requests to open restaurants worldwide, bringing El Celler on a culinary tour to cities across the globe. This year, with the collaboration of the financial group BBVA, they took their skills to the United States, to Houston and Dallas, before going south to the Mexican cities of Monterrey and Mexico City, followed by Bogotá, Colombia and ended in Lima, Peru.

Celler de Can Roca

With Spanish Chefs taking the World by storm, now is the time to visit Spain, home to 10% of the World’s Best Restaurants and numerous Michelin starred Restaurants!  On one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours you can indulge in the Best Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain.  Contact us for your personalized quote.

The Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal 2015 is fast approaching and we’ll keep you updated with the results of the Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain for 2015! In the meantime, over the next few days we’ll be showcasing some of the Best Michelin starred Chefs in Spain, if not the World, with our own Pre-Michelin Guide Restaurants 2015 SuperChef Series by Gourmand Breaks – An insight into the world of some of the current Michelin 3 star and Michelin 2 star chefs in Spain!

Previously, we showcased Michelin 3 star chefs Martín Berasategui, Carme Ruscalleda, Quique Dacosta and David Muñoz  as well as Michelin 2 star chefs Paco Pérez, Andoni Luis Aduritz  and Jordi Cruz.  In no particular order, today a Michelin 3 Starred chef considered the master chef of the New Basque Cuisine:

Juan Mari Arzak– Proudly heads long standing Michelin 3 star restaurant Arzak and is a highly respected and influential Basque chef and forefather of the New Basque Cuisine.  To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours :)

Juan Mari Arzak was born in 1942 in San Sebastián. As a boy, he helped out at his grandparent’s restaurant which his parents, and subsequently he, took over.  His real interest, however, in the eculinary world came when he studied  hotel and restaurant management in Madrid.  After Juan Mari Arzak then completed his compulsory military stint he returned to the family restaurant and began training as a chef, where he was made responsible for roasting meat.

Arzak restaurant, as it is known today,  was origanally built in 1897 by Juan Mari Arzak’s grandparents and was a popular bar renowned for serving wine of dubious quality to the locals. When his parents took over  it was transformed into a restaurant serving traditional San Sebastián recipes and gained a reputation for refinement and quality.

In 1966 Juan Mari Arzak began to work in the restaurant alongside his Mother (his father had died in 1951). He began experimenting with modern gastronomy and the restaurant began to evolve.  A year later, his wife, Maite Espina, also joined the restaurant and began transforming the front-of-house operations. By 1974, they had had two children, Marta and Elena, and the restaurant had been awarded its first Michelin star. 3 years later Arzak restaurant was awarded it’s 2nd Michelin Star and in 1989 Arzak restaurant was awarded it’s status as a Michelin three star restaurant in Spain, a title it has held ever since.

Arzak dish

Juan Mari Arzak was determined to keep evolving his style and  in 1976  with his friend Pedro Subijana, and inspired by the work of Paul Bocuse, set off to Lyon to learn the secrets of Nouvelle cuisine. The trip proved invaluable and they set up a collaborative group that would form the foundations of the Basque nouvelle cuisine movement,  a Basque cuisine revolution if you will.  The group revived and improved traditional recipes by using moderm methods and innovative techniques. The goal was evolution although at the same time sticking to local tradition and the best quality regional ingredients. By the 1990’s the New Basque Cuisine  spread worldwide.

Michelin 3 star restaurant Arzak has constantly featured in the acclaimed Restaurant Magazine World’s Best 50 restaurants list where it appeared for the first 2 years in 22nd and 21st place respectively. For the last 9 years, Arzak restaurant has been placed in the Top 10 of this prestigious list and it’s current position for 2014 is at Nº 8 (where it has not moved from since 2011).

Long-standing Michelin 3 star restaurant Arzak  is located in a residential area on one of the hills overlooking San Sebastián, a short drive from the town center.

Arzak entrance

 The long family tradition of Michelin 3 starred restaurant Arzak is set to live on, as his daughter, Elena joins him at Michelin 3 star restaurant Arzak. Elena Arzak is training under her father to take over the family restaurant.  Already an award winning chef she, Elena Arzak, won the “Veuve Clicquot World’s Best Female Chef” at the “World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards 2012”.

Also by Juan Mari and Elena Arzak

Ametsa with Arzak Instruction, London

This fine dining eatery brings the contemporary Basque country cooking to England. The restaurant is located at the Halkin Hotel in the Belgravia district of London and was awarded its first Michelin star in 2014.

 

With Spanish Chefs taking the World by storm, now is the time to visit Spain, home to 10% of the World’s Best Restaurants and numerous Michelin starred Restaurants!  On one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours you can indulge in the Best Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain.  Contact us for your personalized quote.

 

 

The Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal 2015 is fast approaching and we’ll keep you updated with the results of the Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain for 2015! In the meantime, over the next few days we’ll be showcasing some of the Best Michelin starred Chefs in Spain, if not the World, with our own Pre-Michelin Guide Restaurants 2015 SuperChef Series by Gourmand Breaks- An insight into the world of some of the current Michelin 3 star and Michelin 2 star chefs in Spain!

Previously, we showcased Michelin 3 star chefs Carme Ruscalleda,  Quique Dacosta and David Muñoz  as well as Michelin 2 star chefs Paco Pérez, Andoni Luis Aduritz  and Jordi Cruz.  In no particular order, today a Michelin 3 Starred Basque country chef with various national and international restaurants:

Martín Berasategui– Proudly heads Michelin 3 star restaurant that takes his name and a holds a total of 7 Michelin stars.  To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours :)

Martin Berasategui

Martín Berasategui was born in 1960 in San Sebastián. He studied in Navarra and was introduced to the culinary world, at just 13 years of age, through his mother and aunt.  Martín Berasategui trained at cookery school in France in 1977, working over the next few years in several prestigious kitchens, including those of Michel Guerard and Alain Ducasse in Monaco.

He began working in the family business, Bodegón Alejandro, where he subsequently took charge at age 21. He received his first Michelin star just 5 years later. In 1993, and along with his wife, Martín Berasategui opted for a solitary project and opened his first restaurant in Lasarte, which 6 months later received it’s first Michelin star, the star he recuperated from Bodegón Alejandro.  In 1996 the second Michelin star was awarded and in 2001 Martín Berasategui restaurant received it’s Michelin 3 star status where it proudly holds it’s place ever since.

In 2006 the Michelin 3 starred Martín Berasategui restaurant entered the World’s Best 50 restaurants, the prestigious list presented by Restaurant Magazine, in 37th place. Going up and down on the Top 50 restaurants list, Martín Berasategui restaurant reached it’s highest placing, 27th, in 2007.  Martín Berasategui is currently placed 35th in the acclaimed World’s Best 50 Restaurants List, for 2014.

Also, in the recent World’s Best Restaurants of 2014 – TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, Martín Berasategui, in Lasarte – San Sebastián – was ranked at Nº10. Martín Berasategui restaurant was not the only Spanish entry in the World Top Ten TripAdvisor list –  El Club Allard (Madrid) was ranked 6th and the unstoppable El Celler de Can Roca (Girona) tops the charts at Nº 1.

Michelin 3 star restaurant Martín Berasategui works like clockwork with Oneka, Martín’s wife, as restaurant manager. In the kitchens some of the recent great names of Spanish cuisine have undertaken their formation, such as Dani García and Eneko Atxa.

Michelin 3 star restaurant in Spain Martín Berasategui restaurant is located in Lasarte and offers light, balanced and innovative cusine always true to traditional roots. Martín Berasategui dish

 Also by Martín Berasategui, Restaurants in Spain:

Lasarte, Barcelona  – Michelin 2 star restaurant in Spain

Opened in 2006 and by 2009 was already awarded the 2nd Michelin star. This elegant and intimate fine dining restaurant takes it’s name from the town where Martín Berasategui opened his first restaurant and is located in the Hotel Condes, Barcelona. The restaurant is currently undergoing renovations with plans to reopen next month, December 2014.

M.B, Tenerife – Michelin 2 star restaurant in Spain

M.B achieved it’s first Michelin star in 2010 and, for the Michelin Guide for Spain and Portugal 2014, received it’s second Michelin star. Tranquility and simplicity enlighten all the exquisite flavours that Martin’s creative dishes have to offer. M.B is located on the Canary Isles at Abama Golf and Spa resort, Guía de Isora, Tenerife.

Loidi, Barcelona

Loidi is a highly contemporary and affordable Gastro-bistro in which Martín Berasategui offers his traditional cuisine. It is also located in the Hotel Condes where his Michelin 2 star restaurant Lasarte is also housed.

Fonda España, Barcelona

Martín Berasategui offers, in the modernist building occupied by Hotel España, just off La Rambla, a traditional cuisine with a modern touch.

Doma, Bilbao

Martín Berasategui has put his stamp on the restaurant within the 5* Hotel Silken Gran Domine in Bilbao. Doma restaurant has a privileged location right opposite the Guggenheim Museum.

Eme Be Garrote, San Sebastián

Once an old cider house Martín Berasategui has kept with the spitit of the “house” with it’s decor and dishes reminding us that once upon a time it was fire that gave the dish it’s flavor.

Internationally, Martín Berasategui has branched out with 2 firther restaurants in Mexico and another 2 in the Dominican Republic, all within the Mélia Hotels International  chain Paradisus Resorts.

Martin Berasategui entrance

With Spanish Chefs taking the World by storm, now is the time to visit Spain, home to 10% of the World’s Best Restaurants and numerous Michelin starred Restaurants!  On one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours you can indulge in the Best Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain.  Contact us for your personalized quote.

 

The Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal 2015 is fast approaching and we’ll keep you updated with the results of the Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain for 2015! In the meantime, over the next few days we’ll be showcasing some of the Best Michelin starred Chefs in Spain, if not the World, with our own Pre-Michelin Guide Restaurants 2015 SuperChef Series by Gourmand Breaks- An insight into the world of some of the current Michelin 3 star and Michelin 2 star chefs in Spain!

Previously, we showcased Michelin 3 star chefs Quique Dacosta – Quique Dacosta Restaurant and  David Muñoz – DiverXO as well as Michelin 2 star chefs Paco Pérez – Miramar and Enoteca, Andoni Luis Aduritz – Mugaritz and Jordi Cruz – ABaC.  In no particular order, today a Michelin 3 Starred chef who holds a total of 7 Michelin stars:

Carme Ruscalleda– Proudly heads Michelin 3 star restaurant Sant Pau in Sant Pol de Mar in the province of Barcelona. She is A Michelin star herself as with a total of 7 Michelin stars all her 3 restaurants have been awarded the coveted Michelin stars.  To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours :)

 Carme Ruscalleda

Carme Ruscalleda was born in 1952 in Sant Pol de Mar on the Maresme coast of Barcelona. Born into a family of farmers and merchants, she began working when she was 16 years old in the family grocery store, which with time evolved into a fine delicatessen. She studied charcuterie and commerce and in 1975 married a grocer, Toni Balam.

Within the family business, in 1976, Carme Ruscalleda and  Toni Balam started to offer a selection of ready-made dishes to take-away which ripened their idea of opening their own restaurant.

That opportunity arose when Ruscalleda bought the premises in front of the family store, a stately building from the 1880’s with a garden and sea views. It was here that she founded Sant Pau, her first restaurant, in 1988, with her husband Toni Balam.

Carme Ruscalleda earned her first Michelin star in 1991, the second in 1996 and for the Michelin Guide to Spain 2006 Sant Pau was awarded its current Michelin 3 star restaurant status.

Her avant-guard cuisine is strongly based on Catalan tradition but also open to world influences thus providing the originality that she looks for with her focus on quality and seasonal products.  In each dish Carme Ruscalleda looks to achieve a harmonious balance of healthy values, beautiful presentations and clean flavors.

 Carme Ruscalleda dish

Also by Carme Ruscalleda:

Sant Pau – Tokyo
Sant Pau, Tokyo, is a true replica of the Sant Pau Michelin 3 star restaurant in Sant Pol de Mar. The atmosphere, philosophy and gastronomy of Carme Ruscalleda is applied to offer catalan cuisine inspired by her style, made with fresh products from Japan.  Opened in 2004 in the area of Nihonbashi, Sant Pau – Tokyo is today a Michelin 2 star restaurant.

Moments – Barcelona
A family venture with Carme Ruscalleda’s son, Raül, who heads the kitchen of this Michelin 2 star restaurant located in the luxury Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Barcelona.

Apart from her hands-on culinary work in the kitchen Carme Ruscalleda has also branched out into the literary world.  Dedicating her time to spreading her culinary passion she has published various books.

 

With Spanish Chefs taking the World by storm, now is the time to visit Spain, home to 10% of the World’s Best Restaurants and numerous Michelin starred Restaurants!  On one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours you can indulge in the Best Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain.  Contact us for your personalized quote.

 

The Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal 2015 is fast approaching and we’ll keep you updated with the results of the Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain for 2015! In the meantime, over the next few days we’ll be showcasing some of the Best Michelin starred Chefs in Spain, if not the World, with our own Pre-Michelin Guide Restaurants 2015 SuperChef Series by Gourmand Breaks- An insight into the world of some of the current Michelin 3 star and Michelin 2 star chefs in Spain!

Previously, we showcased Michelin 2 star chefs Paco Pérez – Miramar and Enoteca, Andoni Luis Aduritz – Mugaritz and Jordi Cruz – ABaC, and in no particular order, today a Michelin 3 Starred chef who last year gave Madrid its first Michelin 3 star restaurant:

David Muñoz– Proudly heads Michelin 3 star restaurant DiverXO in Madrid, which is also placed in the Top 100 restaurants of the World list by Restaurant magazine.  To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours :)

David Muñoz

David Muñoz was born in Madrid in 1980.  He got his taste for the culinary world as a child by eating at his favorite restaurant Viridiana by Abraham García in Madrid. Years later he went to work at Viridiana before heading to London to work in restaurants such as Nobu and Hakkasan.  David Muñoz returned to Madrid in 2007 and opened DiverXO, creating a radical fusion of diverse cuisines.  DiverXO gained its first Michelin star in 2010 and 2 years later the second Michelin star arrived.

Groundbreaking chef David Muñoz is on the rise and in 2013,when the NEW Michelin Guide for Spain and Portugal 2014 was presented, DiverXO received the illustrious 3rd Michelin Star that had been missing from the capital city since 1995.

Back in 1987 Zalacaín (today a Michelin 1 star restaurant in Madrid) was the first Spanish restaurant to achieve the Michelin 3 star restaurant status, but this status was lost in 1995. Since then the Spanish capital of Madrid failed to produce a Michelin 3 star restaurant until the 2014 Michelin Guide for Spain was presented and DiverXO put Madrid back on the Michelin 3 star restaurant map of the World.

DiverXo dish

DiverXO has also been awarded a place in the Top 100 restaurants of the world list.  Madrid’s only Michelin 3 star restaurant DiverXO was awarded 94th place in the the Restaurant Magazine’s acclaimed World’s 50 (well 100) Best Restaurants Awards List of 2014.

Michelin 3 star restaurant DiverXO in Madrid, was also awarded 15th place in the recent presentation of the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards – World’s Best Restaurants of 2014.

DiverXO moved this year to larger premises,  to the NH Eurobuilding hotel in Madrid, to enable David Muñoz to exploit his flagship restaurant to its fullest, flying pig decoration and all!

DiverXO

Also by David Muñoz – StreetXO – a casual concept of street food with an open kitchen and diner interaction.  StreetXo opened in 2012 in Madrid  on the top floor of El Corte Inglés, Callao.

But not one to rest on his laurels David Muñoz is spreading the “XO” world with advanced plans to open StreetXO in the prestigious area of Mayfair in London.   And in the future? New York, Singapore  ……

With Spanish Chefs taking the World by storm, now is the time to visit Spain, home to 10% of the World’s Best Restaurants and numerous Michelin starred Restaurants!  On one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours you can indulge in the Best Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain.  Contact us for your personalized quote.

 

 

 

 

The Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal 2015 is fast approaching and we’ll keep you updated with the results of the Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain for 2015! In the meantime, over the next few days we’ll be showcasing some of the Best Michelin starred Chefs in Spain, if not the World, with our own Pre-Michelin Guide Spain 2015 SuperChef Series by Gourmand Breaks- An insight into the world of some of the current Michelin 3 star and Michelin 2 star chefs in Spain!

Yesterday we showcased Paco Pérez of Michelin 2 star restaurants Miramar and Enoteca, and in no particular order, today a Michelin Starred chef shooting for that much desired 3rd Michelin star in 2015 is:

Andoni Luis Aduriz – Proudly heads Michelin 2 star restaurant Mugaritz in the Basque Country, currently ranked the sixth best restaurant in the World.  Still failing to gain that 3rd Michelin star though, will 2015 be Mugaritz’s year? To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours :)

Andoni Luis Aduriz was born in San Sebastián in 1971 and took his first steps in the culinary world by studying at the Donostia School of Cuisine in San Sebastian, Spain. Expressing himself through flavours and textures came easier to Andoni Luis Aduriz than academia and this is when he started to cultivate his love of the New Basque Cuisine and the land.

Andoni Luis Aduriz  worked under great chefs such as Pedro Subijana, Juan Mari Arzak and Ramón Roteta, and in 1993, he went to Catalonia to join the team at El Bulli under Ferran Adrià. This opportunity set him on the Superchef culinary path but not before returning to his homeland where he worked under Martín Berasategui at the chef’s restaurant outside San Sebastian. Finally in 1998 Andoni Luis Aduriz hedged his bets and started his solitary project – his own restaurant – Mugaritz in Errenteria, Gipuzkoa, Spain.

Mugaritz closes for four months a year, a time for reflection and experimentation which is devoted almost exclusively to creativity. Mugaritz means “oak border” in the Euskara language in reference to the location, with the oak on the border. The surroundings offer the chef a canvas on which to unleash his creativity, as well as being a place surrounded by tradition and local products.

 

Andoni Luis Aduriz strives to shock and surprise his diners as well as delight them and achieves the perfect combination between avant-garde and traditional Basque cuisine which has resulted in Mugaritz first being classed as a Michelin 2 star restaurant and then as being a World Top Ten Restaurant.

Mugaritz Dish

Mugaritz earned the first Michelin star in 2000 and, five years later, in 2005, the prestigious Michelin Guide awarded the second one.

Mugaritz has been considered one of the World’s best 50 restaurants since 2006 by the prestigious Restaurant Magazine where it entered in 10th place!  Since then it has always appeared in the Top 10 with it’s highest placing being in 3rd place in 2011 and 2012, behind El Celler de Can Roca in 2nd. In the hands of Andoni Luis Aduriz, Mugaritz is currently ranked the sixth best restaurant in the World behind Dinner (London) in 5th place, Eleven Madison Park (New York) in 4th , Osteria Francescana (Modena) in 3rd ,  El Celler de Can Roca (Girona) in 2nd and  Noma (Copenhagen) in the Number 1 spot.

Mugaritz

Apart from his work at Mugaritz,  Andoni Luis Aduriz gives classes at the University of the Basque Country, corroborates in various methods of communication  and assesses other restaurants. Since 2012 he has been the gastronomic director and culinary consultant at 5* Hotel Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine Restaurant in Valladolid. A restaurant in a 12th century monastery may well be a challenge in itself, however  the creative vision of tradition and using local ingredients is respectfully followed to offer an irresistible culinary experience.

 

With Spanish Chefs taking the World by storm, now is the time to visit Spain, home to 10% of the World’s Best Restaurants and numerous Michelin starred Restaurants!  On one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours you can indulge in the Best Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain.  Contact us for your personalized quote.

The Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal 2015 is fast approaching and we’ll keep you updated with the results of the Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain for 2015! In the meantime, over the next few days we’ll be showcasing some of the Best Michelin starred Chefs in Spain, if not the World, with our own Pre-Michelin Guide Spain 2015 SuperChef Series by Gourmand Breaks – An insight into the world of some of the current Michelin 3 star and Michelin 2 star chefs in Spain! First off, and in no particular order, a chef shooting for that 3rd Michelin star in 2015 with 2 contenders:

Paco Pérez – Recognized with five Michelin stars (two at Enoteca restaurant in Barcelona, two at Miramar in Llançà and one at restaurant “5”  in Berlin), his innovative cuisine reflects the essence of the Mediterranean Sea with cooking based on tradition and high quality local Spanish produce.  To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours :)

Paco Pèrez - Miramar

Paco Pérez was born in Huelva but at just 6 months old his family moved to Llançà in Girona, a small fishing village on the Spanish North Costa Brava coast, where he subsequently grew up.

At age 12, Paco Pérez discovered his passion for cooking when he started helping out, at weekends and in the holidays, at the tapas bar owned by his family in Llançà. He then combined his studies with summer jobs in various local restaurants.

After finishing his studies Paco Pérez worked in diverse local restaurants and even went to France to train alongside one of the founders of “nouvelle cuisine” Michel Guèrard. But what most probably set Paco Pérez on the culinary Superchef path was when he returned to Catalonia and joined Ferran Adrià at El Bulli in 1993.  Here, and over 5 years, he took various courses and placements and acquired much of his philosophy of pioneering techno-emotional cuisine.

In 1997 Paco Pérez married Montse Serra, daughter of the owners of the Miramar Hotel-Restaurant on the seafront promenade of Llançà, Girona, Spain and together, keeping it in the family, they embraced the development of the Miramar. After three years of producing modern Catalan cuisine, during just the summer season, they decided to up the stakes and open all year round in the hope of turning this place into a landmark restaurant in the world of pioneering cuisine.

Chipirones - Miramar

 

Paco Pérez, together with his wife, managed to gradually convert the Miramar from the past traditional restaurant of a hostal, first opened in 1939, into the avant-garde cuisine restaurant that it is today. Betting on traditional and local cooking using high quality products from an ideal environment Paco Pérez’s talent, technique and innovative twists on traditional seafood dishes have earned the Miramar its current two Michelin stars (2006 and 2010).

Also for Paco Pérez in the Michelin 2* Restaurants List for Spain 2014 is:

Enoteca Restaurant in Barcelona

Paco Pérez spreads the heart and soul of contemporary Mediterranean cuisine by bringing the essence of the Miramar and its culinary philosophy, with an emphasis on fish and seafood, to the luxurious 5* Hotel Arts in Barcelona. His guidance at Enoteca, for contemporary cuisine with a traditional base, top quality ingredients and excellent attention to detail,  has led to it receiving two Michelin stars since the 2013 Michelin Guide.

Michelin 2 star restaurant Enoteca offers a contemporary classic Mediterranean cuisine with outstanding quality and imagination and a wine cellar that features more than 500 types of wine.

Paco Pérez is not the only Superchef with a restaurant at the Hotel Arts in Barcelona. Sergi Arola, of Michelin 2* Restaurant Sergi Arola Gastro (Madrid) fame, showcases innovative tapas style traditional Mediterranean cuisine at “Arola”.  Sergi is a disciple of Ferran Adrià and Pierre Gagnaire.

Also by PACO PÉREZ:

Restaurant 5Das Stue 5* Hotel (Berlin)

This Michelin 1 star restaurant is the extension of the Miramar Restaurant into Germany. It is named after Paco Pérez’s focus on the five senses, and also a reference to the five fingers of the hand, because the kitchen produces pioneering works of culinary art.

Mirror RestaurantThe Mirror Hotel (Barcelona)

One of the best restaurants in Spain for luxury rice and seafood dishes,  in the heart of Barcelona.

L’EGGS Restaurant by Paco PérezPasseig de Gràcia (Barcelona)

The first gastronomic themed restaurant in Barcelona featuring eggs as the star dish. A fun and casual restaurant offering eggs in all their formats.

La Royale RestaurantUptown Barcelona

Upscale hamburgers in uptown Barcelona.  La Royale presents a revolution of the concept of a hamburger in the city, with signature ideas and the best refreshing gin and tonics.

Black Restaurant – Uptown Barcelona

The cosmopolitan Manhattan-esque cocktail lounge at La Royale. Offering the signature Burgers of La Royale as well as the best vodka & tonics and a great champagne collection.

 

With Spanish Chefs taking the World by storm, now is the time to visit Spain, home to 10% of the World’s Best Restaurants and numerous Michelin starred Restaurants!  On one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours you can indulge in the Best Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain.  Contact us for your personalized quote.

 

November sees the air temperatures lowering in Spain, but in the kitchens the heat is definitely  on as mid-month the much anticipated Michelin Guide for Spain and Portugal 2015 is to be presented revealing the Michelin Starred Restaurants for Spain and Portugal for 2015.

This year’s ceremony will be presented from Marbella, on the 19th of November 2014, at the Salón Real of the Hotel Los Monteros.  We’ll keep you updated on the results of the New Michelin 2015 restaurant guide to Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain and Portugal, but, in the meantime, there is a lot of speculation around and many chefs hope, not only for extra stars but to hold on to the ones they’ve got!

Joan Roca on tour

Joan Roca on this Summer’s El Celler de Can Roca Tour

Last year saw DiverXO joining the Michelin 3 star restaurants in Spain list bringing the total up to 8. El Portal del Echaurren and M.B. joined the Michelin 2 star restaurants in Spain list bringing the total to 17.  Michelin 1 star restaurants in Spain are rife and the list is long but a total of 20 NEW Michelin 1 stars were awarded to Spain for 2014.

But what’s in store in the Michelin stars restaurant world in Spain for 2015?

Barcelona is still shooting for that 3rd Michelin starred restaurant! Will the talented Jordi Cruz, with his Michelin 2 star restaurant ABaC, produce the goods to give the city of Barcelona its first Michelin 3 star restaurant ?

And, what about Mugaritz in the Basque Country?  Year after year it fails to be recognized with the top Michelin star honor. Seem strange? Well, it has been considered one of the World’s best restaurants since 2006 by the prestigious Restaurant Magazine!

Mugaritz, in the hands of Andoni Luis Aduriz, is currently ranked the sixth best restaurant in the World behind Dinner (London) in 5th place, Eleven Madison Park (New York) in 4th , Osteria Francescana (Modena) in 3rd ,  El Celler de Can Roca (Girona) in 2nd and  Noma (Copenhagen) in the Number 1 spot.

Mugaritz earned the first Michelin star in 2000 and, five years later, in 2005, the prestigious Michelin Guide awarded the second one. Maybe this restaurant is going up in multiples of 5 and now, 10 years since the last Michelin Star, Mugaritz may finally get that 3rd Michelin star!

Paco Pérez, too, is a hopeful for a 3rd Michelin Star as he looks to promote at least one of his Michelin 2 star restaurants by Paco Pérez – Miramar in Llançà and Enoteca in Barcelona – and our bet, shhhhhh, is on Miramar which has been a Michelin 2 star restaurant in Spain since 2010.

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In the run-up to the presentation of the Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal 2015 we’ll be showcasing some of the Best Michelin starred Chefs in Spain, if not the World, with our own Pre-Michelin Starred Restaurants 2015 SuperChef Series by Gourmand Breaks – An insight into the world of some of the current Michelin 3 star and Michelin 2 star chefs in Spain!

Here’s a recap of the current Michelin 2 and 3 star restaurants in Spain:

The 8 Wonders of Spain – Michelin 3* restaurants 2014 (in alphabetical order)

Akelarre. Pedro Subijana (Guipúzcoa)

Arzak. Juan Mari Arzak (Guipúzcoa)

Azurmendi. Eneko Atxa (Vizcaya)

DiverXO. David Muñoz (Madrid)

El Celler de Can Roca. Joan Roca (Girona)

Martín Berasategui (Guipúzcoa)

Quique Dacosta (Alicante)

Sant Pau. Carme Ruscalleda (Barcelona province)

 

Michelin 2 Star Restaurants in Spain for 2014 (in alphabetical order):

Abac. Jordi Cruz (Barcelona)

Atrio. Toño Pérez (Cáceres)

Calima. Dani García (Marbella)

Casa Marcial. Nacho Manzano (Asturias)

El Club Allard. María Marte (Madrid)

El Portal. Francis Paniego (La Rioja)

Enoteca. Paco Pérez (Barcelona)

La terraza del Casino. Paco Roncero (Madrid)

Lasarte. Martín Berasategui. (Barcelona)

Les Cols. Fina Puigdevall (Girona)

M.B. Martín Berasategui (Santa Cruz de Tenerife)

Miramar. Paco Pérez (Girona)

Moments. Raül Balam (Barcelona)

Mugaritz. Andoni Luis Aduriz (Guipuzcoa)

Ramón Freixa (Madrid)

Santceloni. Óscar Velasco (Madrid)

Sergi Arola Gastro (Madrid)

We’ll keep you posted with the results of the Michelin Guide Spain 2015 on the 19th ! In the meantime, we’ll be running our pre- Michelin Stars Spain Super Series – An insight into some of the best Michelin 3 star and 2 star chefs in Spain, by Gourmand Breaks.   “Bon Appetite!” and Good Luck chefs!!

 

With Spanish Chefs taking the World by storm, now is the time to visit Spain with 10% of the World’s Best Restaurants and numerous Michelin starred Restaurants!  On one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours you can indulge in the Best Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain.  Contact us for your personalized quote.

 

Rock Stars tour World stadiums and artists exhibit in International galleries so why shouldn’t Super-chefs get out and about and spread their art, knowledge, creativity and expertise. This is exactly what happened on the The Roca & Roll World Tour 2014!

Roca Brothers on Tour

Foto courtesy of BBVA Celler Tour : http://www.bbvacellertour.com/en/home/

The month of August saw Michelin 3* restaurant El Celler de Can Roca, Girona – Spain, close its doors. But the Boys (Joan, Josep and Jordi) weren’t soaking up the sun on the beach for the Summer holidays, they were on a Cooking Tour Experience for 5 weeks!

Along with the collaboration of the financial group BBVA, the Roca brothers, and the restaurant’s exquisitely trained chefs and team, headed first to the United States, to Houston and Dallas, before going south to the Mexican cities of Monterrey and Mexico City, followed by Bogotá, Colombia and ending in Lima, Peru.

A tour about spreading knowledge but also of aquiring it.  The best local talent and products were sought out to prepare the four different menus designed specifically for each country culminating in nearly 50,000 dishes for 2,700 BBVA customers and guests over the four countries.

Celler de Can Roca

But, home is where the heart is and The (Roca) Boys are Back in Town (Girona) and Michelin 3* restaurant, El Celler de Can Roca, has opened its doors again.

Not that you need proof that they’re back, but, we had some guests have lunch there last week and these are their words :

” ….. would you believe that we have just left the restaurant after 4 and a half hours of eating!!! It was a once in a lifetime experience. The food was magically displayed with a global concept for each course. Impeccable service.‎ We were fortunate to speak with Joan Roca at the end of our adventure. What a day! “

Join us on a Private Food and Wine Tour of Spain to include the Emporda region, North of Barcelona, like our Highlights of Spain Luxury Tour, and you too could have the opportunity to dine at El Celler de Can Roca. But, be warned, this fantastic Michelin 3 * restaurant has a waiting list longer than its capacity!

Spain is a big country enjoying diverse cuisine, culture and scenery. From North to South, with a fantastic climate, fresh local produce is grown on the land and great wine is lovingly made from the vines. It’s no surprise, therefore, that with Good Food and Fine Wine Superchefs abound here! Love Food? Love Wine? Love Spain!

With the recent publication of the World’s Best 100 Restaurants for 2014, Spain is home to 10% of the acclaimed list.  But, that’s not all!  When the Michelin Stars Awards for 2014 were announced, Spain was left sparkling with 8 Michelin 3* Restaurants, 17 Michelin 2* Restaurants and well over a hundred Michelin 1*Restaurants.

If you love Good Food and Fine Wine, what are you waiting for? Spain is the Foodie place to be!

So, with 10% of the World’s Best Restaurants being in Spain, who’s placed where on the prestigious World’s Best 100 Restaurants List?

Nº 2. El Celler de Can Roca. Girona, Spain  Last year’s Nº1 and home to the Best Pastry Chef in the World 2014 – Jordi Roca

Nº 6. Mugaritz. Errenteria, Spain

Nº 8. Arzak. San Sebastián, Spain

Nº 26. Azurmendi. Larrabetzu, Spain Winner of the Sustainable Restaurant Award for 2014

Nº 34. Asador Etxebarri. Atxondo, Spain

Nº 35. Martín Berasategui. Lasarte, Spain

Nº 41. Quique Dacosta. Denia, Spain.

Nº 57. Tickets – Barcelona, Spain 

74. 41 Grados – Barcelona, Spain 

Nº 94. Diverxo – Madrid, Spain 

Celler de Can Roca

And, as for Michelin Star Restaurants in Spain? Take your pick:

The Eight Michelin 3 Star Restaurant Wonders in Spain for 2014 (in alphabetical order) are:

Akelarre. Pedro Subijana (Guipúzcoa)

Arzak. Juan Mari Arzak (Guipúzcoa)

Azurmendi. Eneko Atxa (Vizcaya)

DiverXo. David Muñoz (Madrid)

El Celler de Can Roca. Joan Roca (Girona)

Martín Berasategui (Guipúzcoa)

Quique Dacosta (Alicante)

Sant Pau. Carme Ruscalleda (Barcelona)

Michelin 2 Star Restaurants in Spain for 2014 (in alphabetical order):

Abac. Jordi Cruz (Barcelona)

Atrio. Toño Pérez (Cáceres)

Calima. Dani García (Marbella)

Casa Marcial. Nacho Manzano (Asturias)

El Club Allard. Diego Guerrero (Madrid)

El Portal. Francis Paniego (La Rioja)

Enoteca. Paco Pérez (Barcelona)

La terraza del Casino. Paco Roncero (Madrid)

Lasarte. Martín Berasategui. (Barcelona)

Les Cols. Fina Puigdevall (Girona)

M.B. Martín Berasategui (Santa Cruz de Tenerife)

Miramar. Paco Pérez (Girona)

Moments. Raül Balam (Barcelona)

Mugaritz. Andoni Luis Aduriz (Guipuzcoa)

Ramón Freixa (Madrid)

Santceloni. Óscar Velasco (Madrid)

Sergi Arola Gastro (Madrid)

 

There are so many Michelin 1* Restaurants in Spain, here is the Complete List

 

With Spanish Chefs taking the World by storm, now is the time to visit Spain with 10% of the World’s Best Restaurants and numerous Michelin starred Restaurants!  On one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours you can indulge in the Best Michelin Starred Restaurants in Catalonia, Madrid and The Basque Country.  Contact us for your personalized quote.