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Spain news The Taste of Success
Spain news The Taste of Success The Taste of Success
Spain is celebrating its latest culinary triumph. El Bulli restaurant in village of Roses on the Costa Brava was recently awarded the title of World’s Best Restaurant in the prestigious 2008 Restaurant Magazine awards recently held in London.
The restaurant’s success is no ‘flash in the pan’ however; indeed it is
the third year in succession that Catalan chef-patron Ferran Adriá has
won the award, decided by a panel of over 3,000 international
gastronomes. The mantle of world’s greatest chef sits comfortably on
Señor Adriá’s shoulders. He is something of a legend in the world of
fine dining with many distinguished chefs acknowledging his influence,
including Britain’s Heston Blumenthal whose own restaurant, 'The Fat
Duck' in Bray, Berkshire, came second in this year’s awards.
Though the cream of the crop, El Bulli was by no means the only Spanish restaurant to be recognised as ‘world-class’ at the awards ceremony. In fact, with San Sebastian’s Mugaritz restaurant claiming fourth place, not to mention the prized ‘Chef’s Choice’ award; and the nearby Arzak restaurant in an impressive eighth place, Spain boasts more restaurants in the Top Ten this year than any other country. Indeed, some food writers have suggested that Spanish chefs have staged a culinary coup – shifting the haute cuisine balance of power south of the Pyrenees.
Unfortunately, those hoping to book a table at El Bulli during their holiday this year will be disappointed, the restaurant is fully booked for the whole year and only accepts requests for tables during a brief booking period in October. Prospective customers have to be quick and lucky, as the restaurant is reputed to receive over half a million requests during this period!
The good news for travellers is that throughout the country the Spanish people are passionate about their food. Local specialities, often perfected over centuries, give a real taste of the country’s rich food culture.
Though the cream of the crop, El Bulli was by no means the only Spanish restaurant to be recognised as ‘world-class’ at the awards ceremony. In fact, with San Sebastian’s Mugaritz restaurant claiming fourth place, not to mention the prized ‘Chef’s Choice’ award; and the nearby Arzak restaurant in an impressive eighth place, Spain boasts more restaurants in the Top Ten this year than any other country. Indeed, some food writers have suggested that Spanish chefs have staged a culinary coup – shifting the haute cuisine balance of power south of the Pyrenees.
Unfortunately, those hoping to book a table at El Bulli during their holiday this year will be disappointed, the restaurant is fully booked for the whole year and only accepts requests for tables during a brief booking period in October. Prospective customers have to be quick and lucky, as the restaurant is reputed to receive over half a million requests during this period!
The good news for travellers is that throughout the country the Spanish people are passionate about their food. Local specialities, often perfected over centuries, give a real taste of the country’s rich food culture.
