Celebrating Culinary Excellence: The XIII Premios de Restauración Qué Bueno Canarias in Lanzarote

The rich tapestry of Lanzarote’s culinary scene was on full display at the recent XIII Premios de Restauración Qué Bueno Canarias. Hosted by the Centros de Arte, Cultura y Turismo de Lanzarote in partnership with the Cabildo de Lanzarote, this year’s award ceremony was held at the iconic Auditorio de Jameos del Agua. This remarkable venue, crafted by the celebrated artist César Manrique, resides within a volcanic tube, beautifully merging nature with culture to create an exceptional backdrop for this important event.

Acknowledging Culinary Talent

With the ceremony, both the Centros de Arte and the Cabildo shared heartfelt congratulations to all nominees, particularly acknowledging the establishments and professionals from Lanzarote. “Your dedication and creativity are instrumental in positioning Lanzarote as a gastronomic haven within and beyond our archipelago,” they stated. This kind of recognition highlights how vital the local gastronomy scene is to the island’s unique identity and its growing reputation.

Economic Impacts of Gastronomy

Oswaldo Betancort, the president of the insular corporation, emphasized the importance of gastronomy as a core identification of the island and an essential economic driver. He remarked, “Lanzarote has become a premier destination for enogastronomy.” He pointed out the significance of the relationship between the island’s landscape and agriculture, recognizing how the distinctive products cultivated on volcanic soil symbolize the island’s spirit. “Our products reflect Lanzarote’s uniqueness,” he passionately added, celebrating the island’s ability to transform adversity into authenticity through its agricultural endeavors.

Recognition of Regional Establishments

Another key voice at the ceremony was Ángel Vázquez, the counselor for the Centros de Arte, Cultura y Turismo de Lanzarote. He particularly praised the nomination of the Restaurante Castillo de San José for “Best Canarian Reflection Cuisine.” Vázquez highlighted the restaurant’s commitment to high-quality local products, stating, “The Castillo de San José showcases the beauty of merging art, history, and innovation in cuisine.” He noted that restaurants associated with the Centros de Arte not only provide delightful culinary experiences but also contribute substantially to Lanzarote’s cultural and culinary identity.

An Inspirational Push for Future Excellence

Moreover, Nori Machín, the counselor of Economic Promotion, observed that the awards serve as a motivation to fortify the island’s culinary offerings. She acknowledged the hard work that goes into maintaining Lanzarote’s status as a top culinary destination, saying, “From the heroic viticulture of La Geria to the innovation in our restaurants, the dedication here deserves recognition and support.”

A Glimpse at the 2024 Nominees

The awards ceremony also spotlighted an impressive list of nominees across various categories, showcasing a diverse range of culinary talents and establishments on the island. Notable nominations include:

• Best Restoration Project 2024: César Lanzarote and Shibumi Sushi Lab
• Best Hotel Restaurant 2024: Mexico Lindo (Hotel Barceló Playa Blanca) and Palacio Ico (Hotel Boutique Palacio Ico)
• Best Grill 2024: La Cascada del Puerto and El Bocadito
• Best Foreign Cuisine 2024: Kaori, Mumbai Masala Rubicón, and Sebastyan’s Greek Gourmet
• Best Traditional Spanish Cuisine 2024: Liken and La Casa Roja
• Best Canarian Reflection Cuisine 2024: Castillo de San José, Brisa Marina, La Tegala, and Amanecer
• Best Service 2024: Dunas de Famara and Isla de Lobos
• Best Chef of Canarias 2024: Germán Blanco (Brisa Marina) and Gonzalo Calzadilla (Isla de Lobos)
• Best Restaurant of Canarias 2024: La Bodega de Santiago and Isla de Lobos
• International Prestige Recognition: Restaurante Kamezí

These awards underscore the creativity and culinary excellence of local chefs and establishments, enhancing the recognition of Lanzarote as a significant culinary landmark both regionally and internationally.

A Commitment to Sustainable Culinary Tourism

The upcoming Premios Qué Bueno Canarias 2025 further affirm Lanzarote’s unwavering dedication to quality gastronomy and sustainable tourism. The event aims to honor not only the accomplishments of culinary professionals but also to encourage innovation alongside respect for traditional cooking methods, all essential elements in shaping the island’s culinary evolution.

Through the passion and dedication of its culinary professionals, Lanzarote continues to elevate its status in the gastronomic arena. The island stands out as a destination where tradition harmoniously intersects with creativity and local identity, presenting a culinary experience like no other.