Special Chef Mentor Award for Juan Mari Arzak
The Michelin Guide presents the Special Chef Mentor Award to Juan Mari Arzak from the three-star restaurant Arzak (San Sebastián). In the last edition, this award went to Joan Roca, chef of the three-star El Celler de Can Roca (Girona). His daughter Elena Arzak was responsible for accepting the award. “It is an honor to receive this jacket in his name,” he told the audience, taking the opportunity to praise the video tribute to the 81-year-old chef, which featured fellow professionals.
“Juan Mari couldn’t come, but it is an honor to receive the jacket on his behalf. What a beautiful video (many of his students came to thank him for his teachings). I know he will love it.” I want to say that, as you know, my father always loved his colleagues and fought hard for his job. When he got the third one he told me I don’t know how it will take a long time and today we continue with them. We live it with a lot of passion You have to keep fighting, that you keep striving for excellence. And he also told me that you should not lose hope and not lower your spirit. “Protect yourself from excellence, happiness and the search for the customer experience,” said Elena Arzak.