Gastrochef Menorca to bring together leading figures in Menorcan gastronomy in Ciutadella

This Sunday, 8 November, Ciutadella will become a meeting point for Menorcan gastronomy with the celebration of Gastrochef Menorca, an event dedicated to the island’s chefs, local produce and the future of the profession. Organised as part of the legacy of Menorca’s designation as European Region of Gastronomy 2022, the event will take place at the Teatre Ukalari, starting at eleven in the morning, with a programme of free activities open to the public.

The initiative, promoted by the Fundació Foment del Turisme de Menorca, aims to maintain the gastronomic profile the island has achieved in recent years, while recognising the work of the professionals who have helped enhance the reputation of Menorcan cuisine both at home and abroad.

One of the highlights will be the handover of mentoring responsibilities within the Jove Xef Menorquí programme, scheduled for 11:15 a.m., with the participation of Sílvia Anglada, Toni Tarragó and Pau Sintes. The latter, previously recognised as a European young chef, is taking on a prominent role in preparing the new generations of chefs who aspire to represent Menorca in international culinary competitions.

Meanwhile, young Mahón-born chef Gabriel Pons Ladino, winner of the latest island competition, is preparing to represent Menorca at the European Young Chef Award, which will be held in Malta. The event will include the symbolic passing of the baton to Menorca’s representative in this international competition.

Another central event will be the presentation, at 11:40 a.m., of the Menorca European Region of Gastronomy Recipe Book, a publication bringing together dishes created by chefs who have participated in gastronomic activities held since 2021. The presentation will be given by Begoña Mercadal, managing director of the Fundació Foment del Turisme, and Xavi Sastre, responsible for the publication’s graphic and editorial design.

The gathering will also set aside a special moment to remember the late Menorcan chef Carles Juanico, with a tribute scheduled for 11:55 a.m. It will recognise his professional career and his close connection with the island’s gastronomy.

At 12:50 p.m., applications for the Jove Xef Menorquí 2027 competition will officially open, with the aim of discovering new talent and encouraging generational renewal in Menorca’s professional kitchens.

The most spectacular part of the programme will begin at 1:00 p.m. with a live culinary battle, during which participants will demonstrate their skills before the audience, with local produce taking centre stage. The event will conclude at 2:15 p.m. with a tasting of the dishes prepared.

Gastrochef Menorca therefore aims to celebrate the island’s culinary identity while also looking towards the future, where training, creativity and respect for Menorcan produce will continue to be essential elements of the island’s gastronomy.

Attendance is free, and reservations can be made through the official website www.menorca.es.