EuroToques delivers its awards in Benidorm and recognizes Alicante Gastronómica Solidaria, Pedro Martínez, Cuchita Lluch and Ana Botella

EuroToques, the Association of Chefs Committed to Cuisine, has held its assembly in Benidorm, the first in-person since the pandemic, an event in which it presented awards and recognitions. The event has had the participation of renowned chefs such as Susi Díaz, Paco Torreblanca, Quique Dacosta, Kiko Moya, Quique Pérez and Quique Cerro, among others.

EuroToques association is an international organization of chefs that integrates more than 3,500 chefs from 18 countries and whose objectives are to protect the quality and flavour of food, promote the good work of food artisans, protect European culinary heritage, promote healthy food and give consumers clear information that allows them to make their choice with good criteria.

Founded in November 1986 by Pierre Romeyer, Paul Bocuse, Juan Mari Arzak and Pedro Subijana among other illustrious chefs, in Spain the association is chaired by Andoni Luis Adúriz. It has almost 800 chefs, with regional and provincial delegates.

At the ceremony held today, the award for Social Commitment went to Alicante Gastronómica Solidaria and its director, Gema Amor, received the award. The award for Gastronomic Dedication went to EuroToques Castilla La Mancha, collected by chef Quique Pérez. The recognition for Gastronomic Dissemination has been given to the gastronome Cuchita Lluch. The award for Room Visibility went to Ana Botella, maitre of El Poblet and, lastly, the award for EuroToques Lifetime Achievement went to Pedro Martínez, manager of El Granaíno restaurant in Elche, delivered by the first deputy mayor of Benidorm, Ana Pellicer.

The councillor, in her speech to close the assembly, highlighted “the talent, knowledge and very high-level that has gathered here” and stated that in the city “we have a strategy in place, together with the sector for the quality and innovation that never forgets its roots and that seeks to maintain those of all those who have made Benidorm great for decades by adding their efforts to ours.”

According to Pellicer, Gastronomy is “very important in a tourist destination” and added that it is essential “when you have loyalty indices like those in Benidorm.” This, she said, “moves the sector and its professionals to pursue standards of excellence in their field, to continually renew and to offer, at the same time, innovation and quality.”

Pellicer has considered that gastronomy “goes very well with the offer of sun and beach in which Benidorm is a leader” and she has expressed the City Council's support for the catering industry with 'Benidorm Gastronómico'. “We are committed to excellence and quality, from simplicity to refinement, in a plural destination where there is wide offer and any palate will be satisfied.”

Also on the agenda of the Assembly held was the reorganization of EuroToques Comunidad Valenciana, with the appointment of new delegates who will lead the association in the region. An initiative that, as they have pointed out, seeks to strengthen the internal structure and guarantee effective representation of members in all locations.