José Cortés, Ciutat de Palma Gastronomy Award 2025: the taste of fidelity to the land

Bep Al·lès/Palma - Last January, Mallorcan chef José Cortés was honored with the Ciutat de Palma Gastronomy Award 2025, a distinction granted by the Palma City Council to careers that make a decisive contribution to the city’s cultural and gastronomic profile. The award highlights more than three decades of dedication to the kitchen, but above all a way of understanding cuisine that is deeply rooted in the land and committed to local produce.

With solid training and a career that combines cooking, teaching, and participation in high-level competitions, Cortés has established himself as one of the most consistent advocates of Mallorcan culinary identity. His philosophy is based on a clear idea: gastronomy is culture. It is not just about preparing dishes, but about preserving knowledge, respecting seasonal cycles, and dignifying the work of small producers.

Over the years, he has emphasized the importance of working with Mallorcan olive oil, seasonal vegetables, native meats, and fish from our coasts. This commitment to local produce is not a passing trend, but a deep conviction that connects sustainability, the local economy, and gastronomic quality.

The Ciutat de Palma Award comes at a moment of professional maturity and also recognizes his work as a trainer and communicator. Cortés has often stressed the need to teach local gastronomy to younger generations to prevent it from fading in a globalized context where trends tend to standardize tastes and menus.

With this award, Palma recognizes not only the work of a chef, but also a way of cooking and understanding the territory. José Cortés embodies perseverance, coherence, and respect for a cuisine that looks to the future without forgetting its roots. An award that confirms that identity is also defended at the stove.