I've been living here for more than fifteen years, and with each passing season, I'm more convinced that Ibiza has two souls. One is known to everyone. The other, the one that smells of wild fennel and freshly made sofrit pagès, is only discovered by those who stay longer, who learn to look beyond the first line of beach.
Once Again, FaceFood Brings Fine Dining to the Land
Tomorrow, March 13th, the Atzaró agritourism —that corner of century-old olive groves in the heart of the island— becomes once again the stage for something I find truly special: the eighth edition of We Are FaceFood Ibiza.
What is FaceFood? For many outsiders the name might sound strange, but in the world of hospitality and professional gastronomy it's an event nobody wants to miss. It's a gathering aimed at chefs, distributors and companies in the horeca sector that each year chooses Ibiza as its venue. And not just any Ibiza, but the one that breathes in winter, the one that in March smells of wet earth and late almond blossoms.
Seven Michelin Stars Beneath the Olives of Atzaró
This year the level is, simply put, extraordinary. Among the confirmed attendees:
- Nacho Manzano, from Casa Marcial (Asturias), with his three Michelin stars
- Aitor Arregui, from Elkano (Getaria), a world reference for seafood
- Andreu Genestra, with one Michelin star and one green star for his sustainable cuisine
- The Ibizencan Óscar Molina and Álvaro Sanz, who keep giving us more reasons to be proud of local cuisine
That's more than seven Michelin stars gathered in a single space. And not in Madrid or Barcelona. Here. On our island.
"Ibiza is not just the place where people come to rest or dance. It's a territory with its own gastronomic identity, with exceptional products and with chefs who deserve much more visibility."
I've been saying this for years, and events like FaceFood are proof that the island knows it.
What Can You See (and Taste)?
Beyond the talks and professional meetings, the heart of the event is the Balfegó showcooking, where four chefs with roots on the island will demonstrate live everything that can be done with the finest red tuna from the Mediterranean. There will also be an exhibition area where the biggest names in the sector —from Moët Hennessy to the best hospitality equipment brands— will present their innovations in an atmosphere that, let's be honest, few places in the world can match.
Ibiza, All Year Round
I'm delighted that events like this take place in low season. Those of us who live here know that winter in Ibiza has a different magic: fewer people, more calm, more space to think, to create, to talk about what matters.
The gastronomy of this island deserves recognition twelve months a year, not just when beach bars open and yachts fill the harbor. FaceFood understands this perfectly.
If You're on the Island Tomorrow...
The event is professional in nature and access is restricted to the sector. But if you're a chef, hospitality professional, distributor or simply work in the world of gastronomy and you're in Ibiza these days, this is an opportunity you shouldn't miss.
And if what you're looking for is to experience world-class culinary experiences as a visitor, remember that the island has a cultural and culinary agenda that goes far beyond what appears in the guides. Check out our events calendar at ibiza-calendar.com: I'm sure you'll find something that surprises you.