Life & Style

At the start of the new season, the wine sector hopes to win over restaurateurs and advisers in order to attract consumers and promote growth in domestic consumption.

The ‘caganer’ is a figure in Catalan nativity scenes that is depicted in the act of defecation. The literal translation for ‘caganer’ means ‘shitter’. The tradition has existed in Catalonia and surrounding areas since the 17th century.

130 million kilos of citrus fruit, 10% more than last year, are expected to be produced this season. The majority of the citrus will be clementines harvested for export to countries such as Germany.

The famous biscuit company, Birba, expects to have a turnover of 6 million euros in 2010. Birba will have sold more than 1,200,000 kilos of biscuits.

An innovative new guide book supported by the world-renowned chef Ferran Adrià was presented in El Prat, in the Agrarian Park of the Baix Llobregat county, next to Barcelona, the largest urban agricultural area in Europe. The guide includes a list of over 500 producers that sell directly to consumers.

Gastronomy will be one of the main aspects of the new Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees tourist offer, which also combines Romanesque art, breathtaking lanscapes, trekking paths, ski slopes, etc. The initiative aims to bring together the varied offers from 11 counties with gastronomy in order to generate tourism.

The passion for mushrooms among Catalans contributes to economic dynamism in pre-Pyrenees counties such as Berguedà, Bages and Ripollès. Many fairs and festivals are held, as well as especial dishes at the restaurants. Catalonia is one the world’s corners that is more into mushrooms degustation but also search.

Led by prestigious and world famous Catalan chef Ferran Adrià, the Fundació Alícia focuses on expanding our knowledge of food, health and sustainability. “We need to learn how to enjoy the things that are good for our body again,” said the director of the centre, Toni Massanés.

The Salone de Gusto Food Expo begins today in Turin, Italy. The expo will offer Catalan wine tasting paired with cold cut meats and cheeses.

The Celler de Can Roca Restaurant, which owes 3 Michelin stars and has been rated by 5th best restaurant in the world by Restaurant Magazine, participated in the campaign ‘Tinc sang de Sibarita’ (I have Sybarite blood) that aims to promote blood donation.

The world famous chef Ferran Adrià is directing a symposium at Harvard University this autumn which blends cuisine and chemistry. Catalan cuisine is the pillar of the symposium, which is the first of its genre at the prestigious university. Next week, the chef Carme Ruscalleda, who boasts 3 Michelin stars and the award-winning chef Nandu Jubany will perform their master classes.

A workshop in central Catalonia has analysed the promotion of local agri-food sectors. The Italian region of Tuscany will share their successful experiences in revalorising local consumption.

The company called Llongueras is owned by his family and directed by his daughter. Llongueras has 120 salons all over the world. The world famous hairdresser Llongueras was fired by a fax that stated the tasks he performs are not “satisfying” for the company.

3 Michelin star Catalan chef Joan Roca of the restaurant Celler de Can Roca speaks about his worldwide success, traditional cooking methods and the concept of Catalan cuisine. The Celler de Can Roca was ranked the 5th best restaurant of the world by Restaurant Magazine.

During the last few years there has been a rapid growth in ecological products throughout Catalonia. Markets are popping up all over the territory offering local, organic and ecological products.