The layers of gastronomy transcend the menu of the day. Maxi Guerra’s Gastropolítica podcast, which tells stories, readings and ideas connected through food, is a testament to this. And likewise, the ways in which the hospitality industry has shown solidarity with the climate catastrophe in Valencia are also multi-layered.
José Andrés is possibly the most visible layer and face. The Asturian chef, through his NGO World Central Kitchen, has a presence in the areas most affected by natural disasters to guarantee food. Under the shelter of the organization and through many other popular initiatives are several Spanish chefs who have been involved in the work of feeding thousands of Valencians.
One of the most popular names in Valencian gastronomy is Ricard Camarena, whose restaurant Habitual has provided 2000 portions every day for the victims.
Other chefs who went to ground zero in this exercise of solidarity are Nino Redruello (Familia La Ancha) or Pepa Muñoz (El Qüenco de Pepa), under the shelter and organization of the volunteers of World Central Kitchen.
Charity dinners on December 13
Ricard Camarena himself presented on Tuesday a series of charity dinners that will take place simultaneously on December 13, also in the manner of the benefit concerts organized by Som Valencia.
Camarena said, “We want December 13 to be a historic day, a symbol of hope and solidarity, not only for our community, but for all those who believe in the power of unity and mutual aid.”
The names that have joined the initiative are renowned Michelin chefs who will donate the funds raised from the dinner for the reconstruction of the area. Dabiz Muñoz, Dani García and Ángel León are some of the names that want to demonstrate that “the strength of solidarity has no borders”.
Solidarity piggy banks
Chef Chema de Isidro, who leads the NGO Gastronomía Solidaria, has launched a fundraising campaign also aimed at the reconstruction of the affected areas.
The mechanism is as follows: the establishments adhered to the program will have inside a piggy bank that accepts cash donations. It also has a QR code printed on it that leads to the Instagram profile, as reported by The Objective. Donations will remain active until January 2, 2025.
And in the meantime, Madrid’s gastronomy
In addition to the specific names of Redruello or Pepa and Dabiz Muñoz, there is Guillermo Rivera, owner of the Galician tavern Agarimo. Rivera announced in his networks an event for this Sunday at Espacio Wololó called Callos Solidarios: more than a hundred kilos of this tapa (and music and beer) and the proceeds will be donated to World Central Kichen.
It will also donate to World Central Kitchen all proceeds collected by Santos Bakehouse through its pizza sales on Thursday, November 7. The Malasaña bakery has recently started selling New York-style pizzas. Grupo Triana also announced that it would donate all proceeds from sales of its ensaladilla rusa (Russian salad) to the same organization throughout this week.