Juan Carlos Ferrando travels to the Maldives to represent the cuisine from La Rioja and Spain, invited by the Association JRE – Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe.
From January to April 2023, the association made up of three hundred and seventy-five young restaurateurs from fifteen European countries is holding the ninth edition of “Dining with the Stars”. Over two weeks, a total of twelve chefs will represent their respective countries at the Diamond Resort on the Athuruga and Thudufushi Islands in the Maldives.
From 20 February to 6 March, Juan Carlos will be JRE’s ambassador in the Maldives, where he will interpret Riojan and Spanish gastronomy through six events: Signature Dishes, Master Class and Gala Dinners on the beach, with an expected attendance of 100 people at each event.
The #productoriojano will travel with him: PDO Alubias de Anguiano (Beans from Anguiano), PDO Aceite de La Rioja (Olive Oil from La Rioja), PGI Chorizo Riojano (Riojan Chorizo) and PDO Queso Camerano (Camerano Cheese). This quality raw material will be present in its different preparations, which will be combined with local produce, among which fish and vegetables will be the main protagonists.
Marinated horse mackerel, mushroom juice, grapes and spiced cauliflower; Beans from Anguiano (La Rioja) with a side of Chorizo Riojano and paprika; Snapper tiradito, pickled onion, passion fruit and green apple; Fennel risotto, Camerano cheese (goat cheese from La Rioja) and marinated red tuna; Four-hour roasted tomato, smoked tuna, capers and lettuce soup; Roasted aubergine, poultry pickle and watercress; Roasted onions, creamy potato, sautéed mushroom and egg yolk; Sea bass in salt, stewed mussels and spinach florentine; Chocolate creamy mousse, passion fruit cream, toffee and Rioja olive oil, are some of the dishes on offer.
In Spain there are currently fourteen chefs who are members of JRE. Juan Carlos Ferrando has been a member since 2019 and is the only representative from La Rioja.