Colombian chefs have been showcasing the country’s national dishes at an international food fair in Spain in hopes of turning the world on to Colombian cuisine and making Colombia a food tourism destination.
Alexander Torres and Daniel Alberto Avellaneda were chosen by a committee of renowned culinary industry figures to go to Madrid, Spain to promote Colombian cuisine. The chefs have reportedly been serving exemplary dishes like grilled yucca covered in shrimp sauce and crispy corn patties with pork flambe since Monday and will hopefully wow food fair attendees on Wednesday — the final day of the event.
Also in Madrid are two chefs, Juan Manuel Barrientos and Jorge Rausch, who will host speciality exhibits showcasing Colombian seafood dishes.
The Madrid Fusion show is an annual event that brings together cuisines from around the world. The Colombian presence this year is part of a drive by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism to turn Colombia into a food tourism destination.
“These events not only serve to promote Colombian preparations at other tables but also encourage Colombian restaurants and chefs to continue perfecting the nation’s traditional dishes,” Colombia’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism said.
The international fair will also feature a chance to taste Colombian coffees, with examples from Nariño, Santander, Huila, and Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
