© madridfusion
© Silvia Castillo
© Ibiza Travel
Ibiza local among top 6 young Spanish chefs
José M. Bonet, finalist at Madrid Fusión Best Young Chef awards
The White Isle is fastly becoming a foodie destination. After the opening of several gourmet restaurants on the island in the past few years, Ibizan cuisine is making its way within prestigious gastronomic circles. Just today, at Madrid Fusión, José Miguel Bonet was chosen among the top six Best Young Chefs in Spain.
Born and bred in Sant Antoni, Bonet has transformed Es Ventall, a traditional restaurant run by his family for over 35 years, into one of the main attractions for discerning visitors to Ibiza. His trajectory has been impressive, studying in Barcelona before training at the prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants of the Celler de Can Roca in Girona, and Casa Solla in Pontevedra, as well as Bib-Gourmand eatery Llantén near Valladolid.
His modern twist on traditional Ibizan cuisine has now made him a finalist at Madrid Fusión, the most reputable gastronomic meeting in Spain. Bonet prepared a liquid salad with marinated mussels at the main event yesterday, combining spinach, rocket, basil, sage and mint to create a soup, which he then garnished with seaweed and mussels. A dish that, in his own words, "reflects the casual, happy and colourful character of the Ibizan people".
The Best Young Chef award was finally granted to Jesús Moral, from the Taberna de Miguel restaurant in Bailén (Jaén-Andalucía) but there's no denying the amazing accomplishment that is being chosen among the final six. Congratulations José Miguel and Es Ventall!
Ibiza traditional cuisine has been very present throughout Madrid Fusión, with tastings of sobrassada, flaó and local cheese and wine, as well as show cooking by seven of the most famous White Isle restaurants, including Ca N'Alfredo, Pacha, Can Cires, Es Tragón, Sa Brisa and Can Lluc.
