The Mayor of Salamanca, Carlos García Carbayo, has stated that the city is going to become the «international capital of gastronomy» today and tomorrow thanks to the commitment of the Junta de Castilla y León to a summit that will bring together «a true constellation of culinary stars.» The mayor participated in the chapel of the Colegio Arzobispo Fonseca at the inauguration of the International Gastronomy Summit ‘A Monumental Cuisine’ alongside the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Sports, Gonzalo Santonja; the rector of the University of Salamanca, Juan Manuel Corchado; the deputy minister of Community Agricultural Policy and Rural Development, Jorge Llorente; the president of the Provincial Council of Salamanca, Javier Iglesias; and the president of the Confederation of Hospitality and Tourism of Castilla y León, Jaime Fernández.
«We are a monumental city. A World Heritage Site with a historic center admired around the world. But within this privileged framework, a powerful gastronomic offer has been developed that has made Salamanca a national reference,» the mayor stated. García Carbayo added that the chefs from Salamanca who have pursued excellence «have never been thanked enough for creating a very powerful and consolidated brand that complements the other attractions that bring visitors to Salamanca.»
«That is why I believe it is only fair that this International Gastronomy Summit serves to show the world what is cooking in Salamanca and that it is done with the presence of such relevant names as Nacho Manzano, Carmen Ruscadella and Raúl Balam, Oriol Castro, Paco Morales, Namae Shinobu, or Ana Ros,» he pointed out.
The mayor concluded by stating that Salamanca «smells of gastronomy» and this summit will undoubtedly be «a boost to the marriage between Salamanca and the kitchen. A union so consolidated and prestigious that we are so proud of.»
Summit Program
Today, Monday’s agenda includes the participation of the Japanese chef Shinobu Namae; the Catalans Carme Ruscalleda and Raül Balam; the Slovenian chef Ana Rôs; the American Jeremiah Tower, along with the chef from Ávila, Carlos Casillas, and the American executive chef Daniela Vázquez, as well as the Andalusian chef Paco Morales. This afternoon, the 3 Michelin Star chef Oriol Castro, ranked number 1 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, will offer a cooking presentation in the Plaza del Concilio de Trento, in front of the facade of the convent of San Esteban.
Tomorrow, Tuesday’s program will start with a roundtable discussion with the participation of chefs Shinobu Namae, Nacho Manzano, and Ana Rôs. This will be followed by a colloquium where the 3 Michelin Star Asturian chef Nacho Manzano, along with the Michelin-starred chefs from Castilla y León Pedro Mario Pérez and Sara Ferreres, will participate. Also scheduled is a theoretical-practical demonstration with the Peruvian chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, ranked number 5 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, in the lower cloister of the Colegio Arzobispo Fonseca.
The summit will conclude with a lunch in the Patio de Escuelas Menores, where 18 chefs from Castilla y León, with a total of 16 Michelin Stars, will reinterpret emblematic recipes from the prestigious national and international chefs participating in the Summit, adding their own creativity and offering a unique culinary experience that blends cuisines and innovation.
Salamanca and Gastronomy
The Summit has been alive in Salamanca since Friday, the 16th, when the ‘Pincho Route’ began, organized around this significant gastronomic event, with the participation of over 40 restaurants and bars in the city, extending until Wednesday, May 21st. An initiative designed to bring cuisine closer to all audiences and bring the spirit of the Summit to all Salamancans and visitors.
Additionally, to link the culture and cultural heritage of the Salamanca capital with the gastronomic proposals of the Summit, a video mapping has been scheduled on the facade of the Patio Chico, projecting each night throughout the week. The premiere of the show will be on Monday, the 19th, at 10:00 PM and will be repeated on Tuesday, the 20th, at 10:00 PM, and from Wednesday, the 21st, to Sunday, the 25th, in two sessions, at 10:00 PM and 10:30 PM.
The International Gastronomy Summit is an initiative of the Junta de Castilla y León, with the collaboration and advice of the Confederation of Entrepreneurs in Hospitality and Tourism of Castilla y León HOSTURCyL, in addition to the support of the City Council, the Provincial Council, the University of Salamanca, and the Castilla y León Wine Routes brand.