The 3rd International Gastronomy Conference “Madrid Fusión” kicked off yesterday with the same attendance success as in previous years. Even more so, if that is possible, because this already well-established event has become a compulsory annual meeting point for those who matter in the world of gastronomy.
After the words of welcome from the Chairmen, José Carlos Capel and Manuel Quintalero, the morning of the first day started off with the scheduled appearances: that of the very young cooks Ángel León, Joseàn Martínez and Nacho Manzano, who showed all their wisdom and knowledge about “techniques and treatment of fish”, introduced by Quique Dacosta.
After the judgement was given for the prize “Restaurant Sensation”, which was awarded to Iñigo Lavado, who runs the restaurant Kukuarri, in the San Sebastian hotel NH Aranzazu, it was Ferran Adrià’s turn to show his skills, with all the expectation that his charm arouses; this time he turned out some magical recipes such as “Frozen Caipirinha Dessert”, “Mojito con Sifón” and “Hot frozen gin-fizz”.
But the moment that aroused the greatest expectation on the first morning was the “Tribute to the Magnificent 7 and the Sweet-Toothed Revolution”, for which José Carlos Capel was responsible for the summing up, in which homage was paid to the 7 great masters of this gastronomic speciality: Gerard Bannwarth, Rafael Tugues, Daniel Giraud, Pierre Hermé, Gaston Lenôtre (absent due to illness), Paco Torreblanca, and Antonio Escribá, recently deceased and represented by his wife. “The time has come to put an end to the divorce between confectionary and cuisine”, he said.
The Mayor of Madrid, Alberto Ruiz Galardón, welcomed them all to this city, which opens its arms wide to take in the new and fresh airs of gastronomy and culture in general. And he stressed three basic points: the encounter between the East and the West, the research work carried out by cooks and chefs, and the sense of fun around which gastronomy revolves. “Celebrating events like this” – he went on – “confirms that the Madrid metropolis is an ideal place to come up with the most interesting ideas at all levels”.
Hervé This and Pierre Gagnaire brought the morning to a close with a demonstration that was both good fun and sheer magic.