Sixth Estrella Damm Gastronomy Congress in Melbourne
The World Loves Melbourne was privileged to join more than 340 excited people from the hospitality industry who gathered at MAIA, Atlantic Wharf, as Estrella Damm presented the very first Australian Gastronomy Congress with the theme “Approaching High Creativity”. This was one of the standout events of the year.
Before the event began The World Loves Melbourne was able to interview the participating chefs (more to come later). The event featured world-renowned chef Joan Roca from last year’s World’s 50 Best Number 2 Restaurant El Celler de Can Roca, alongside an all-star line-up of international chefs that presented a live cooking demonstration on stage. Images Kristoffer Paulsen.
Culinary figures included Peruvian chef and restaurateur, Virgillio Martínez who was named number 1 chef in Latin America in 2016 and the number 4 by World’s 50 Best; Albert Adrià from Tickets in Barcelona, with a Michelin Star and ranked World’s #29 Restaurant in The World’s 50 Best list 2016; and one of Australia’s best chef, Jock Zonfrillo from Restaurant Orana, which was named Restaurant of the Year at The Advertiser Food Awards for two years in a row in 2014 and 2016.
Albert Adrià from Tickets in Barcelona revealed to The World Loves Melbourne that he gets passion from working 14 hours a day. He quoted me Picasso that inspiration comes from just working. Albert has been such an inspiration to many around the world and the Parallel neighbourhood in Barcelona.
Albert Adrià wowed with “Almeja En Salsa China Y Ensalada De Algas”.
This was heaven for foodies and chefs. In fact the creativity displayed by each chef was inspiring and relevant to any pursuit or profession.
At the event, each world-renowned chef took guests through a cooking demonstration of one of their signature dishes - truly inspirational!
Jock Zonfrillo used indigenous Australian ingredients with his standout dish “Magpie Goose, fermented native elderberries, smoked potato & leek”.
Virgilio Martínez revealed to The World Loves Melbourne that he is constantly evolving and looks to "stay away from comfort zones". A great tip to achieve high creativity.
Virgilio Martínez wowed the crowd with “Potatoes at 4,000 mts”. Inspiration is sourced from both the Amazon Jungle and the Andes mountains!
The Estrella Damm Gastronomy Congress fisnished with legendary Joan Roca who created “Estrella de mar”.
Some of the audience were fortunate to taste some of the dishes. Apart from being totally delicious these dishes could be in a world class gallery for their artistic inspiration.
The event was hosted by well-known foodie and journalist Alice Zaslavsky (who did a stunning job).
A panel rounded off the Congress before rereshments.
Guests included Australian chefs Scott Pickett and Jacques Reymond, with the night finishing off with tapas and Estrella Damm for all to enjoy. Thank you so much to Estrella and the amazing chefs! (And Karla Dawes agency). Unforgettable!