11th International Gourmet Gastronomy Seminar Announced in Havana

The 11th International Gourmet Gastronomy Seminar, themed “The Influence of Arab Cuisine on Hispanic American Cooking,” will be held on September 25-26, 2024, at the iconic Tropicana Cabaret in Havana, Cuba.

The event was announced during a press conference held this Monday at Restaurant 1830 in Havana. The session was led by José Carlos de Santiago, President of Grupo Excelencias, and attended by key figures such as Odalys Hernández Vega, President of the Cuban Gastronomy Chair; Eddy Fernández, President of the Federation of Culinary Associations of the Republic of Cuba; Eddis Naranjo, President of the Cuban Bartenders Association; representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, the International Press Center, national and international media, executives from the 1830 Complex, collaborators, and sponsors.

Despite the challenging circumstances facing Cuba, José Carlos de Santiago emphasized that the country remains one of the most traditional culinary destinations in the Americas. He highlighted the collaborative efforts of various individuals and institutions, such as Havana Club and the Cuban Gastronomy Chair, in bringing this seminar to life.

The seminar aims to provide a space for dialogue that allows participants—entrepreneurs, suppliers, students, workers, professors, and managers from both the public and private sectors of restaurants and hotels—to explore the Arab influence on Ibero-American cuisine and gain insights into the world of halal gastronomy and cocktail-making.

Halal gastronomy refers to food permissible under Islamic law as specified in the Quran. The growing Muslim consumer market, which demands halal-certified food and beverages, has made it essential to understand the terms and practices related to this cultural context. Additionally, there is a rising global interest in healthy gastronomy, driving consumers to seek out certified establishments and products.

The program will feature master classes, show cooking, workshops, presentations, and panels led by more than a dozen international speakers from seven countries and around twenty Cuban experts. Notable participants include María Marte, the first Latina chef to earn two Michelin stars from the Dominican Republic; Paola Zahra Álvarez, representing the Halal Institute of Spain; Leticia Cecilia Gómez Hernández, Minister of International Tourism and President of VENETUR from Venezuela, accompanied by Juan José Hassan Gattas, President of the Culinary Association and Rector of the Ibero-American Institute of Recreation, Tourism, and Gastronomy.

A strong representation from Spain will also be present, including Julio Valles Rojo, Gastronomy and Tourism Advisor for Valladolid and President of the Castilian and Leonese Academy of Gastronomy; Marta Vidal, CEO of Valformosa; Honorato Espinar and Nono Martínez, Global Corporate and Executive Chefs for Iberostar Cuba, respectively; Chef Carlos Durán, an advisor to international hotel chains; Emilio Martín, World Tapas Champion and Chef at Suite 22 in Valladolid; and Miguel A. Jiménez, Executive Chef of Iberostar Parque Central.

Other international speakers include Xavier Naranjo from Ecuador, Executive Chef of Iberostar Varadero; Juan Carlos Márquez from Peru, Executive Chef of Innside Habana Catedral; Malak Moros from Colombia, a member of the World Chefs Academy; and Jorge Orozco from Mexico, Ambassador Chef of Pre-Hispanic Cuisine.

Cuban experts include Odalys Hernández, President of the Cuban Gastronomy Chair; Eddis Naranjo and Eddy Fernández, Presidents of the Bartenders and Culinary Associations, respectively; Professor Jorge Méndez; Chef Maiker López, an expert in Arab cuisine; and the first female Master Ronera, Salomé Alemán.

Participants will receive training on Halal certifications and a participation certificate issued by Excelencias, Formatur, and the Halal Institute of Spain.

Additionally, a Bartender Competition will be held to crown the "Cantinero XI," endorsed by the Ibero-American Academy of Gastronomy, whose Vice President is Mr. De Santiago. This event will provide opportunities to network with renowned bartenders from Havana's most famous bars, celebrating the centenary of the Cuban Bartenders Association and Havana's reaffirmation as the Ibero-American Capital of Cocktails.

Since 2011, Grupo Excelencias has organized the International Gourmet Gastronomy Seminars, providing a professional training platform for the hospitality sector. The main objective is to preserve and promote the culinary heritage and traditions of Ibero-American nations, adapting them to a globalized world and new trends. Ten series editions have been held in Cuba and five in Panama, along with other non-series events.

The Gourmet Gastronomy Seminars are endorsed by the Ibero-American Academy of Gastronomy and supported in Cuba by the Ministry of Tourism, Formatur, the Cuban Bartenders Association (ACC), the Sommeliers Association of the Republic of Cuba (ASRC), and the Federation of Culinary Associations of the Republic of Cuba (FACRP).