Siblings Juan Carlos and Jonathan Padrón, who manage the dining venues The corner by Juan Carlos, in Tenerife, and Poems by Hermanos Padrón, in Gran Canaria initiated the extensive program of the airline Binter at Madrid Fusion.
For the first time, the airline is participating in Spain’s largest gastronomy fair, with the support of renowned figures in the culinary scene of Canary Islands. Additionally, they aim to emphasize the exchange between destinations by co-sponsoring, along with Madrid Fusion Foods of Spain, the “Best Hotel Breakfast” award, the ultimate winner of which will be announced on Wednesday, January 31.
The day commenced at 10:00 a.m. with the presence of the Padrón brothers, with two Michelin Stars in the Guide Michelin Spain and Portugal 2023 and three Repsol soles, which marked the beginning of the program with a expedition into the gastronomy of the Canary Islands through collaboration with Binter. Juan Carlos expressed their desire to showcase “the gastronomic routes and the nooks where we can uncover the beauty of our islands, beyond the culinary delights, adding to the experience of a Binter traveler.” Some of the recommended establishments by the chefs were Bar Padilla, in Las Zocas (Tenerife), prominent for preserving the tradition of “jareas”, or 100% Hojaldre, the pastry shop located in Playa San Juan (Tenerife).
Subsequently, a grand breakfast was hosted with chef Óscar Molina, in charge of the entire gastronomy of Ibiza Grand Hotel (Ibiza), one of the three shortlisted hotels for the award sponsored by Binter this year. Following the presentation, attendees relished an impressive array of flavors and textures. Molina stressed that being among the finalists is “recognition after years of hard work” and views it as “commendable that an airline promotes what I believe is the most delectable aspect of Spain, which is its cuisine.”
Brazilian-born chef and cook João Faraco of the restaurant Center (Lanzarote), and the best chef of the Canary Islands in 2018, showcased various products from the lesser-known islands, such as smoked products from SmokeHouse La Gomera or the pastrami and cheeses produced on the Lanzarote island.
To conclude the morning, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food Sovereignty of the La Palma Town Council and representative of Savor The Palm, Alberto Jesús Paz Hernández, presented the palm tree breed cow and the immense potential of the product. Subsequently, the CEO of Tenerife TourismDimple Melwani, underscored the island’s value as a gastronomic destination, wherein Binter can contribute to its promotion.
The afternoon’s activities commenced with a presentation by the influencers Canary Foodies about culinary routes in Gran Canaria and Tenerife where Canarian chefs take center stage. One of the members of this gastronomic duo, Marcos Ascanio, highlighted Binter’s dedication to forging connections with new destinations that link the islands with the mainland by opening up “abundant avenues” to discover the cuisine of other places, such as Vigo, Jerez, Murcia, or Madrid.
To conclude the day, Jonathan Garcia, renowned for its Suertes del Marqués winery, which has garnered extensive accolades from international critics in recent years, conducted a workshop on pairing wines from Bodegas Presas Ocampo and Canarian cheeses. He expressed being “overjoyed with the public attendance” and believes that the new air connections will be advantageous for Canarian residents, providing them with more travel options, and attracting individuals from other regions interested in gastronomic tourism.
