Source: San Sebastián Gastronomika

 

From October 2 to 5, the city of San Sebastián hosted the 24th edition of San Sebastián Gastronomika in the Kursaal congress hall. This year, the meeting revolved around the motto 'United Kulinary', a nod to the ability of gastronomy to unite cultures above politics. For three days, seventy chefs and restaurant professionals paraded in forty presentations and more than twenty-five parallel activities, such as workshops and talks. Also, Thomas Keller, a totem in the United States was honoured, and different grill, chickpea, apple pie, Russian salad and tropical fruit dessert contests were held.

The attendance figures corroborate the success of this edition. There were twelve thousand accredited people, more than a thousand congressmen of thirty-two nationalities, a total of one hundred and fifty-two exhibitors and almost four hundred journalists from all over the world. Also, chefs of the stature of Andoni Luis Aduriz, Quique Dacosta, Ricard Camarena, Nandu Jubany, Gastón Acuario and Albert Adriá, attended the meeting and took the opportunity to share their knowledge, recipes and culinary techniques.

There was also the presence of chefs and businessmen who in the last 20 years have taken their kitchens to the conquest of the United Kingdom. From José Pizarro, London-based ambassador of Spanish traditions and Sherry wine, to Nieves Barragán, the Spaniard who won the first Michelin star for a tapas bar in London, or others just as distinguished as Miguel Ángel Mayor, the chef who triumphed in Valencia with Sucede and which is now committed to tapas and cocktails in Scotland.

Moreover, all the attendees have validated the review of the role of gastronomy congresses and have made the 24th Gastronomika, the edition of sharing, not competing. Coming to the Kursaal with one goal: to look the teammates in the eye to complement each other. “Before starting this congress, I thought it was going to be a transition meeting between the pandemic and the 25th anniversary, however, it has been an inspiring congress,” said Benjamín Lana, general director of Vocento Gastronomia together with Roser Torras, director of Gastronomika.