Can Bellotera, journalist Marta Torres, chef Mathieu Savariaud and the restaurants La Escollera, Es Fumeral and Cas Milà are the winners of the Academy of Gastronomy of Ibiza and Formentera 2024 Awards, selected unanimously by the academics of Ibiza and Formentera. The awards ceremony will be held in May 2024, in an event that will bring together the main references of the gastronomic sector of Ibiza and Formentera. According to a press release from the organization, the award winners represent the best of the islands’ gastronomic tradition and innovation.
Award to the local product showcase: Can Bellotera store.
This emblematic store, located in Sant Josep, is managed by Pepita, representative of the third generation of the “Bellotera” family, with more than 110 years of history. It offers products from the Ibizan garden, vegetables and seasonal fruits harvested at their optimum point. In addition, it highlights its offer of vegetables, local extra virgin olive oils and other quality products.
Prize for gastronomic divulgation: Marta Torres
Journalist Marta Torres has been recognized for her work in compiling traditional recipes and promoting Ibizan gastronomy. She is the author of the books “Cuineres a Eivissa” and “Eivissa de la terra a la taula”, and signs the section “Gastronomía de Guerra” in Diario de Ibiza, where she shares simple and economical recipes.
Award for traditional cuisine: Bar Restaurant Ca n’Antonia
Located in Santa Eulària des Riu, this restaurant is distinguished by keeping alive the essence of Ibizan recipes, with a focus on traditional dishes that stand out for their authenticity and flavor.
Award for the best beach bar: La Escollera de Es Cavallet
With 31 years of history, this restaurant in Es Cavallet, municipality of Sant Josep, is open 365 days a year offering a Mediterranean cuisine proposal with fish, rice and local products as protagonists.
Award for the best opening of the year 2023: Restaurant Es Fumeral
Led by chef Alberto Pacheco, this restaurant reinterprets the concept of beach bar with a high quality offer. The embers are the heart of its Mediterranean sea cuisine, prepared with local products and exquisite technique.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Restaurant Cas Milà
With 40 years of experience, this restaurant is a benchmark of traditional Ibizan cuisine, specializing in grilled fish and rice dishes, which stand out for their authentic flavor and impeccable preparation.
Best Chef Award: Mathieu Michel Savariaud
The chef and owner of Es Terral restaurant has been recognized for his international gastronomic approach with a marked French influence and Arab touches. His proposal is based on the use of local and zero kilometer products, with meticulous attention to quality.
Award to the dish of Ibizan cuisine: Sofrit Pagès
For the second consecutive year, this emblematic dish has been highlighted for its sociological and cultural importance. Sofrit Pagès is a traditional recipe associated with holidays and celebrations, and represents a pillar of the gastronomic identity of Ibiza and Formentera.
The importance of the gastronomic sector
The president of the Academy, Pedro Matutes, highlighted the economic impact of gastronomy in Spain, citing a report by the Royal Academy of Gastronomy (RAG) and the consulting firm KPMG. According to the study, this sector accounted for 27% of national GDP in 2023, generating 374 billion euros and occupying 37% of the labor market, with 7.2 million full-time equivalent jobs. “Gastronomy is not only a tradition, but an essential economic engine. In Ibiza and Formentera, its impact is even more significant, uniting tradition and the avant-garde to offer unique experiences,” said Matutes, also highlighting the Academy’s commitment to traditional cuisine and innovation.
