Madrid Fusion is one of the most influential culinary events where world-class chefs showcase their philosophy, techniques, and latest innovations. Madrid Fusion 2016 focused on the Post Avant-Garde culinary movement and was aimed at answering the question: “What’s next on the culinary scene and what can we expect in 2016 and beyond?”
Here are my learnings from the evnt, the story of the Philippine delegation, and what to expect in Madrid Fusion in Manila this April…
The 14th edition of Madrid Fusion was held at Palacio Municipal de Congresos, Campo de las Naciones, Madrid last January 25-27, 2016.
Gastronomy Congress
I was inspired by The Turkish Way Avant Premiere (video) by Josep Roca (El Celler de Can Roca, España) on rediscovering Turkey’s culinary scene.
“Rescatando Los Origenes” (Rescuing the Origins) by Virgilio Martinez (Central, Peru), Jorge Vallejo (Quintonil, Mexico), and Mauro Colagreco (Mirazur, Francia)
Chef Virgilio, Jorge, and Mauro joined forces to rescue the ancestral cooking techniques and ingredients of Latin American cuisine from Peru, Argentina, and Mexico.
Their presentation was the most remarkable, showcasing ancient techniques of cooking under the soil–live on Madrid Fusion stage!
Chef Virgilio Martinez of Central, Peru (#1 Latin America’s 50 Best and #4 World’s 50 Best) is the known to serve the best ceviche in South America.
And yes, he will be coming to Madrid Fusion Manila and will have a pop-up dinner in Manila’s best restaurant! Don’t miss that.
Chef Jorge of Quintonil, Mexico (#6 Latin America’s 50 Best and #1 Restaurant in Mexico) is also coming to Madrid Fusion Manila this April!
Chef Joan Roca of El Celler de Can Roca, España (#1 World’s 50 Best) presented the “Nuestro Universo Intangible” (Our Intangible Universe), a talk on the future of the post Avant-Garde culinary movement, which is a going-back to one’s roots and preserving one’s culinary origins.
For the first time, Joan Roca is coming to Manila for Madrid Fusion this April!
Joan Roca’s creations. Here’s hoping he considers doing even just a one night pop-up dinner in Manila.
The Roca brothers went up together on stage to complete the presentation. Hopefully they all decide to visit Manila some time in the near future and feature Filipino cuisine.
He’s so gracious and endearing when he speaks. Manila is definitely excited to welcome Chef Joan Roca!
Chef Chele Gonzales of Vask is presented by Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz of Mugaritz (#6 World’s 50 Best).
Chef Chele Gonzales of Gallery Vask, Filipinas (#39 Asia’s 50 Best) presented “Cretividad Espanola, Inspiracion Filipina” showcasing his culinary philosophy using Filipino ingredients and Spanish techniques.
Joan Roca • Dani Garcia • Jordi Butron • Jose Andres • Virgilio Martinez • Jorge Vallejo • Chele Gonzales • David Thompson • Angel Leon • Ricard Camarena • Miko Aspiras
We were so proud of the Madrid Fusion Manila Presentation on the main stage featuring Spanish, Filipino, and other renowned chefs!
Madrid Fusion Trade Exhibit
We’re always on the look-out for what’s new and eager to get educated on Spanish food and products.
The Philippine booth was sleek with a modern Filipino design.
The booth showcased Filipino cuisine and was strategically highlighted on the ground floor.
Dennis Barrera showcased Filipino cocktails like the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” using Filipino liquor and ingredients.
We loved all the featured Jamon Iberico in the Flavors of Spain exhibit.
Negrini was a popular stall that featured the different deli products from Spain, including cured meats and cheese.
It’s an ultimate taste test of Spain’s best products!
One of our favorite cheeses–Queso Mahon Menorca.
There were live culinary demos during lunch, and most people would hunt down these delicious creations.
We loved the overflowing Gin-Tonic booth! 🙂
Frutas Eloy featured the different and unique vegetables and fruits that can be found in Spain.
The exhibit was also a good way to understand the different types of cured meats available in Spain.
One of the highlights for us was the do-it-yourself wine tasting of the different wine regions in Spain.
Our favorites were the wines from the Ribera del Duero region in Spain.
Madrid Fusion Manila Reception
The Madrid Fusion Manila Cocktail reception was held at Pedro Larumbe ABC in Madrid last January 25, 2016.
Philippine Chefs Margarita Fores, Chele Gonzalez, Miko Aspiras, and Thailand’s David Thompson were honored onstage by Carlos Salinas, Philippine Ambassador to Spain and Jose Capel, Founder of Madrid Fusion.
Was happy to have been able to share this experiences with Mrs. Awesome Planet.
Madrid-based Filipino Michael Lopez showcased his Jamon cutting skills during the reception.
A platter of cheese, nuts, and jam to kick off the cocktail reception.
The Zel Band provided the acoustic entertainment.
Margarita Fores served her chicharon and barquillos with chive mousse.
Chele Gonzales showcased his adobo mousse and tiradito (not in photo).
I was impressed by Filipino Human Beatbox Neil of Asia’s Got Talent!
Dennis Barrera entertained us with his magical bartending skills.
Dennis and Michael with Chef Elena Arzak of Arzak, San Sebastian (#17 World’s 50 Best).
Spanish Paella for dinner!
Team PACEOS (The Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers) in full support of Madrid Fusion Manila!
Pastry Chef Miko Aspiras presenting his mango tostada and pili nut & brown butter polvoron.
We ended the reception dancing the night away!
Don’t miss Madrid Fusion in Manila on April 7-9, 2016 at the SMX Convention Center!
For more info on the complete list of chefs and schedule, please visit http://www.madridfusionmanila.com/
Related Blog Post: Where Is The Restaurant/ F&B Scene Headed This 2016? Learnings And Takeaways From Madrid Fusion 2016
Live an Awesome Life,
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Disclosure: Our Madrid Fusion trip was courtesy of the Department of Tourism. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.
P.S. Check out the Giant Paella: Festival de la Paella Gigante: A Taste of Spanish Culture for a Cause!
This looks like soo much fun. I am sorry I missed it. Madrid is not that far away from where I am based. Well, there is always next year…