The second edition of Azafrán, one of the most emblematic gastronomic festivals of Guanajuato, will take place on July 28; in which paella is the star of the event.
Renowned personalities from the gastronomic world meet at Hacienda San José Lavista in Guanajuato to qualify and reward the participants who cook the best paellas and offer a gastronomic and cultural world-class experience.
This is the second edition of the most emblematic wine and paella festival in the region, which is expected to involve a strong participation of local and foreign enthusiasts, according to the event’s organizing committee.
(Photo: heraldodemexico.com.mx)
Paella in history
This dish of Spanish origin emerged in the rural areas of Valencia between the 15th and 16th centuries, due to the need of farmers and shepherds for having an easy-to-prepare meal, using the ingredients they had on hand in the countryside. Nowadays it has become an icon of gastronomy, not only in Spain but also in the world.
On the other hand, wine is an essential element to pairing paella and thanks to this pairing, a perfect harmony relationship has been established, creating first class gastronomic experiences.
Azafrán will not only be an event to taste paella, but it will become a competition for 24 contestants to prepare their best recipe. In the first edition, chef Cisco Bartolí from Oleum Restaurant was the winner.
Within the jury are recognized chefs, culinary journalists, specialists in gastronomy and food critics, as well as personalities of the government of Guanajuato, including:
* Valentina Ortiz Monasterio: Recognized and respected promoter of Mexican cuisine. She is currently the Chairman for Mexico and Central America of the famous list of S. Pellegrino that annually designates the best restaurants in the world.
* Roberto Gutiérrez Durán: Specialist in travel content and gastronomy. Collaborator in recognized media such as Travel + Leisure, Accent, Aire, among others.
* Vicente Torres: The Valencian chef who received a Michelin star during his stay in the kitchen of La Sucursal. He currently collaborates with the Superior College of Gastronomy and owns the acclaimed restaurant Garum.
* Marco Beteta: One of the most recognized Mexican foodies and prominent member of the gastronomic community and lifestyle in Mexico.
* Hugo D’Acosta: Recognized oenologist in Mexico and around the world. He has collaborated with large wineries in Ensenada, Zacatecas, France and San Miguel de Allende, within Hacienda San José Lavista.
* Marcela Bolaño: After several years of experience in the gastronomic world and working with different chefs, she opened her own restaurant Marsála cocina sin acentos, in San Miguel de Allende. She was also a participant in the second season of the Top Chef Mexico contest.
* Mikel Alonso: The chef of Basque-French origin is one of the stars of the Mexican gastronomic scene, because thanks to his impeccable work he has been credited with international recognitions and is cataloged within the famous list of the best restaurants in the world by S. Pellegrino. In addition, he was a jury member of the Top Chef Mexico contest.
* Fernando Olivera: Current Secretary of Tourism of Guanajuato, who has stood out for the great boost he has given the state and the good national and international positioning as a cultural and mainly gastronomic destination with numerous events and festivals.
Among the great attractions that characterize this event there are:
* Gourmet gastronomic samplings.
* Exhibition of products that exalt Mexican and Spanish cuisine.
* Tasting of all the paellas participating in the contest.
* Sample and tasting of the labels of the San José Lavista winery.
* Free bar of distillates during event.
* Sample of craft beers.
* Live music shows.
Undoubtedly, the festival will have spectacular views of the mountains and vineyards that will form the perfect scenario to taste the paella.
Source: heraldomexico.com.mx
