Body and soul
Last night, on the stage of the Sala María Cristina in Málaga, I was left with a lump in my throat. I went up to collect the final award of a very special evening, when SUR, the oldest newspaper in Málaga, presents its gastronomic awards.
I've received quite a few accolades lately, objective proof that I'm getting old, but yesterday was a truly special day, not only for the reasons I've already mentioned, but also because it was an honor to share the honor with some of the most talented young chefs in Malaga's culinary scene and some of its most admirable veterans. Among them were Periko Ortega, the newly minted Michelin-starred chef at his restaurant 'Recomiendo' in Cordoba; the sommelier and renowned restaurateur Marcos Granda; José Miguel Marín, from the restaurant Raíces, winner of the Revelation Award; the founders of the long-established Casa Navarra in Mijas, Mercedes Lacunza and Carlos Herrero, recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award; and the veteran owner of Rincón Catedral, Emilia Luque, winner of the Essence Award for keeping traditional Malaga cuisine alive. Completing the group were Diego René, the chef and owner of Beluga, who was recognized for combining accessible haute cuisine with a deep respect for local produce, and the duo behind Palodú, the latest restaurant in Málaga to receive its first Michelin star, Cristina Cánovas and Diego Aguilar. Yesterday I was doubly happy: for the affection I received and for being part of a group I can be proud of. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
