The 6th annual International Varadero Gourmet Festival closed with about 28 participating companies from home and abroad, a figure that represents an increase over the previous year but that is far from the expectations the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Cuba and the Palmares Business Group, organizers of the event, had.
Manuel Marrero, Minister of Tourism, said they were satisfied with the results and the development of the event plays an important role in the ongoing efforts to transform the world of gastronomy in our country. He highlighted the introduction of new products that make the current offer more varied.
“There are still obstacles to access to a variety of quality products to the Cuban market. You have to open the valves that close that entrance, “he said.
The Minister also highlighted the presence in the event of non-state tourism entrepreneurs which supplement state tourism, in this case with the participation of the private restaurants. He also praised the quality of the services of these restaurants. He recalled that the Ministry will support the development of these businesses that are an example of quality and active sample of the culinary history of Cuba.
During his closing speech Marrero stressed the importance of conveying our culinary roots, our food culture to new generations of bartenders, cooks and gourmets that are trained in our schools. He called upon to defend our food identity and work to place it in a prestigious step using the example what was achieved by the Peruvian and Mexican cuisine.
Prizes for the event were:
Cuban Gourmet Contest
1 Place: Cubanacán
2 Place: Palmares Business Group
3 Place: Salsa Suárez paladar (prívate restaurant), Varadero
Cuban Rum tasting contest Challenger
1 Place: Maikel Tamayo, Maitre d’ Havana’s Casa de La Musica
2 Place: Pável López, Maitre d’ Xanadu Mansion, Varadero
3 Place: Nivaldo García , Maitre d’ Iberoestar Taíno Varadero Hotel
Best Stands
1 Place: Junior
2 Place: Inversiones Pucara
3 Place: Comercial Toledo
by Alain L. Gutiérez
