Mario Sandoval and Janaína Torres to lead Valladolid tapas competitions

The Valladolid City Council has announced that Spanish chef Mario Sandoval and Brazilian chef Janaína Torres will preside over the juries for upcoming major culinary competitions. Sandoval will lead the jury for the 10th World Tapas Championship, while Torres will head the jury for the 22nd National Pinchos and Tapas Contest.

Mario Sandoval is a highly decorated chef known for leading the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Coque. His accolades include the 2013 National Gastronomy Award for Best Chef. Janaína Torres, recognized as the Best Female Chef in the World in 2024 by The World's 50 Best Restaurants, will lead the national competition. Her work focuses on Brazilian cuisine, sustainability, and social commitment.

Valladolid Mayor Jesús Julio Carnero stated that appointing these international figures ensures a high level of rigor in evaluations and strengthens the global prestige of the city's gastronomic events.