Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz receives Círculo de Bellas Artes Gold Medal

Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz has been awarded the Gold Medal from the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid, becoming the first cook to receive this distinction. The award recognizes his work at Mugaritz and his ability to position gastronomy as a space for cultural production, science, and contemporary thought.

At the 28th edition of the Gastronomika congress in San Sebastián, the event celebrated the 50th anniversary of New Basque Cuisine. While honoring founders like Martín Berasategui, the congress also focused on the next generation of chefs. These young professionals are shifting focus from pure technique toward business viability, environmental relationships, and the use of AI to automate repetitive tasks to prioritize human hospitality.

Aduriz, a two-Michelin-starred chef, emphasized that eating is a social and cultural act of discovery and connection. He advocates for a culinary approach that maintains a commitment to the environment and social responsibility.