Following on from its first edition in 2014, The Alimentaria Experience will return as one of the main attractions of Alimentaria 2016, which will take place from April 25th to 28th. The space has undertaken an innovative revamp of its format to make visitors the focus of one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. This year, Michelin-starred chefs will again be the main attractions. Up-and-coming young chefs will play a major role as well, with space also set aside for female chefs who are making a name for themselves and setting trends in the industry.
Master workshops will be returning, offering a space in which the audience can interact closely with the chef, allowing them to even feel like part of the kitchen staff. These closed events with just 22 attendees will feature such renowned chefs as Joan Roca and Carme Ruscalleda, new stars like Virgilio Martínez and Jordi Cruz, and up-and-comers like Beatriz Sotelo, Yolanda López and Oriol Castro.
New spaces for the latest trends
In addition to expanding its range of chef presentations, the second edition of The Alimentaria Experience will introduce new spaces designed to make room for the latest trends in the restaurant industry. Gastronomy and tourism will be the two key concepts in the Wine and Culinary Tourism area. This will feature six spaces where departments and provincial councils from the autonomous communities can present the most iconic aspects of their cuisines, as well as showcasing the culinary culture and craft of each region.
Snacks and products related to the traditional vermouth will be the stars of Aperitivo Time, which will present healthy foods for the aperitif hour, a custom which is becoming increasingly more common and prized in culinary culture. Leading cocktail specialists can be found in the Cocktail & Spirits space, which will have up to 15 areas presenting the best and most popular liquors and spirits. In addition to the exhibition area, there will be a shared bar with stools for demonstrations, pairing fashionable options such as gins, rums and whiskies with coffee, chocolate, juice and more.
Baked goods and pastries will also have a place at The Alimentaria Experience. Bakery, Pastry & Coffee Shops will be the area reserved for companies marketing raw materials, ingredients and products for baked goods and pastries. Urban food, an increasingly popular choice, will be the star of the Food Trucks space. These vintage style vehicles are thriving and demonstrate how the concepts of fast food and quality can co-exist.