SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 20th May. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Hotels School of the Canary Islands (Hecansa), an institution under the Department of Tourism and Employment of the Government of the Canary Islands, is participating in the ninth edition of the Canary Islands Gastronomic Show, GastroCanarias 2024, with a focus on preserving the island’s culinary traditions. This event aims to highlight the best of Canarian gastronomy and will bring together over ninety participating companies and 300 stands.
The gastronomy fair, running until next Thursday at the Tenerife Fairgrounds, will see the involvement of Canarian chefs who have been honoured with Michelin stars: Abraham Ortega, Jose Luis Espino, and Víctor Suárez; along with chef Génesis Fernández, a collaborator in the Recetas Marineras project; and Óscar Lafuente, recognised as the world’s best rum bartender in 2024. These talented professionals, invited by Hecansa, will be joined by individuals who have been instrumental in shaping their culinary passions.
According to Jéssica de León, the Minister of Tourism and Employment of the Government of the Canary Islands, “this event provides an opportunity for attendees to experience the essence of a new generation of accomplished professionals trained at Hecansa who blend traditional ingredients with innovative techniques and creations. Moreover, their presence with their families and mentors demonstrates who has paved the way and motivated them to pursue their careers.”
Paola Plasencia, CEO of Hecansa, emphasised that “Hecansa’s participation at GastroCanarias 2024 is crucial in showcasing the nature and quality of our work, as well as our approach to it.” She also mentioned the students’ involvement in the ninth edition of the Young Chefs Championship of the Canary Islands 2024, highlighting that this not only showcases their dedication and skills but also underscores the level of training provided at Hecansa.”
CELEBRATING CHEFS, MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS, AND AUNTS.
Visitors to the Hecansa booth can enjoy culinary demonstrations and workshops, sample dishes prepared by Hecansa alumni and their peers, and vote for their favourite creations.
Jose Luis Espino, a Michelin-starred chef from Bevir restaurant, will kick off the Hotels School of the Canary Islands stand by preparing an innovative and modern fish with onions dish. He will be assisted by his mother, María, who will prepare the traditional version of the same dish. Attendees can also participate in a competition to create the best Canarian stew.
Víctor Suárez, renowned for his Michelin-starred gastronomy at Haydée restaurant, will be present with his grandmother, leading a workshop on and tasting of a traditional rabbit dish served with salmorejo.
Abraham Ortega, recipient of a Michelin star for his culinary excellence at Tabaiba restaurant, will collaborate with his aunt to prepare ropavieja, offering a blend of traditional and haute cuisine. They will also compete to prepare the traditional Canarian dish of carajacas.
Chef Génesis Fernández will also join the GastroCanarias 2024 gathering, teaming up with former mentor Chef Gonzalo Valerio to create the best coastal noodles.
Completing the Hecansa team is liquid gastronomy expert Óscar Lafuente, named the best rum bartender of 2024 by The Ultimate Awards. Óscar will introduce attendees to a product with a rich island heritage, cane rum. His participation at GastroCanarias 2024 will spotlight this historic product from the archipelago, which has been a staple in Canarian households since the early days of sugar cane production.
