How often does it happen that so many 3 star Michelin chefs with a team of 90 people cook a dinner for you in the same evening? I had one of the most memorable dinners ever during this dinner that was a tribute to the fantastic Carme Ruscalleda during Gastronomika in San Sebastián, Spain when I visited the big food congress in the autumn. The dinner was one of many where they invited press, chefs and other people related to the food business.
The evening started with some bubbles, Sorlut oysters, caviar, and a lot of Spanish De Covap ham and cheese at the Basque Culinary Centre. And was followed by this fantastic dinner that they had prepared. Each chef had their own tribute to Carme. Elena Arzak said the following.
-We love being with her. It is incredible the affection that the whole sector has for her, the respect they have for what she has created without expecting anything in return. Thank you for being a good person, for being like a family, for being you. Cheers Carmen! 
The dinner started with Ángel León’s remarkable sea bacon, and I have to say that I never had anything like it. I hope that some Swedish chef will create the same!
All the food were more than amazing as you can see. And a thing I noticed between the Spanish chefs is that they really care and love each other in a fantastic way. They are all eager to share their knowledge with everyone. Even little me;) I really appreciate it. And I think I want to sign up to learn Spanish so that I fully can take in everything they talk about during my next visit to Spain. 
Doesn’t it look like a piece of art?
Prawns with a vegetable gel and and ripe tomato emulsion by Eneko Atxa. Nearly didn’t want to eat it, it looked magical!
Jordi Cruz prepared a Squid nigiri wrapped with cooked tuna skin!
Truffle macaroons filled with confit quail eggs by Joan Roca, just wow!!
Lemon with a basil sauce, green beans and almonds made us all go totally quiet for a while. And Martin Berasategu had one more dessert, a ”Corazón Berry.
The dinner stopped late, and we all left with a big smile and a happy tummy. It was one sensational evening with some of the worlds best chefs. They sure are worth every star they have. And I am very impressed of the chefs that have the creativity and tastebuds to create all those magical dishes with the local produce from Spain. The country sure have so much to offer, but it was not really the same when I lived there in the beginning of the 90’s. The food scene sure have changed since then, and I would say that if you haven’t been to Spain, give it a try! It will be something you never forget!
Text and photo Malin Nordblom
Fab Foodie Swede
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By Malin Nordblom
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WOW, JUST WOW
She is really something!
And this was an amazing experience!
I bet it was…. when I read your first post a few months ago about the Gastronomika event it sounded incredible but to see some of the smaller events inside of that is definitely fun to hear about
It was very late amazing dinners. And all the best chefs from spain were there. Just crazy fantastic!!