Ángel León’s Despesques Conference Highlights Gastronomy and Solidarity

The popular international conference organized by top chef Ángel León, Despesques, just drew to a close after being held from September 11^th to the 14^th in Cádiz, Andalusia.

It brought together over 80 of the most influential chefs from Spain and around the world to discuss and celebrate gastronomy, culture, solidarity, commitment, hard work, generosity, history, and nature in a unique setting. This included Alex Atala, Dabiz Muñoz, Elena Arzak, Rasmus Munk, Ivan Orkin, Ana Ros, Pablo Rivera, Fina Puigdevall, and Albert Adriá, among others.

The underlying theme was taking better care of the environment, with the idea that the current situation can be improved and we can leave our children with a healthier planet if we change our habits. To this end, Leon not only invited chefs but also scientists, doctors, paleoanthropologists, and leaders in the business world, to speak at the event. There were also several artistic and musical interpretations by leading singers and dancers.

According to León, “For me, this has indubitably been the most special edition of Despesques, as we focus once again on buying fresh products at the market, depending and promoting local products, and investing the time to teach our kids how to slow cook at home, because good food preserves the territory and improves our health.”

Attendees enjoyed an incredible selection of foods during the event, including tuna grilled “like in prehistoric times,” dishes prepared by local gypsy women from Jerez de la Frontera, and dishes prepared by top names like Nacho Manzano and Jordi Roca, among others.