For those seeking a unique culinary adventure that goes beyond just savoring exquisite dishes, Andres Torres‘ story is one worth exploring. A former war correspondent turned chef, Torres uses his experiences from the battlefield to create a unique dining experience at his restaurant, Casa Nova, located in the heart of the Catalan wine region of Penedés.
Torres’ transformation from a war reporter to the head chef of a renowned restaurant is not just a career change. It’s a mission to make people realize the source of their food and the socio-economic impact of their choices. His efforts earned him the prestigious Basque Culinary World Prize and a €100,000 reward this year. The award is given to a restaurant that creates a significant socio-economic benefit outside the kitchen.
From Battlefield to Kitchen
Running a high-level cuisine restaurant while simultaneously managing the NGO Global Humanitaria may seem like a Herculean task. However, Torres’ work in both fields intertwines, creating a unique harmony between the two. His Michelin Green Star restaurant donates a portion of its profits to Global Humanitaria, an organization that works primarily in impoverished and war-torn countries to provide food and clean water sources to locals.
The dishes served at Casa Nova are inspired by the places where Torres reported and carried out humanitarian activities, including Guatemala, Syria, and Ukraine. He believes that he can better showcase the impact of conflict on local food ecosystems through cooking, rather than through journalism.
Conscious Tourism
With the resurgence of tourism in Europe, especially the “revenge travel” craze post-COVID-19 pandemic, the issue of over-tourism and its impact on locals’ quality of life have resurfaced. Barcelona, with its rich architectural wonders and gastronomic delights, is a major tourist hub. Nonetheless, the increased tourism has led to locals’ frustration, affecting their disposable income and quality of life as a growing share of the city’s accommodation caters to short-term let travelers.
While Barcelona plans to ban Airbnb short-term lets from 2029, the question remains: how to strike a balance between economic growth and local residents’ concerns? Copenhagen has introduced an innovative solution with its CopenPay program. The program rewards tourists who participate in community service with free museum trips, lunches, and even kayak tours.
Gastro-Humanitarian Efforts
In Catalonia, Torres’ restaurant stands as a beacon of conscious capitalism. It has gained popularity among Gen Z visitors who are aware of his humanitarian activities. However, Torres’ main target is high-net-worth individuals who can contribute significantly towards his cause. Several wealthy diners have made generous donations to support his humanitarian ventures after learning about the origins of their meals.
Torres believes that more restaurants in Europe should focus on sustainability and educate their customers about their food’s origins. If this becomes the norm, tourists will not just leave with a full stomach, but also a greater understanding of the global food ecosystem.
