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Showing posts with the label Iberian cuisine

New Pata Negra Restaurant to Open in Zamora, Spain

  Zamora, a city known for its rich culinary heritage and vibrant tapas culture, is about to welcome a fresh addition to its food scene. On August 28, 2025, at 8:00 p.m., a brand-new restaurant called Pata Negra will officially open its doors at Calle Pelayo 4, right in the centre of the city. A New Space with a Familiar Spirit The name Pata Negra makes you think of excellence right away because it is the name of the most prized Iberian ham, which is often called the best ham in the world. It is more than just a brand; it is a promise of quality, authenticity, and tradition. The new restaurant embodies this symbolism, aiming to create an experience where food and hospitality are seamlessly intertwined. It's interesting that the venue already has a history. The address on Pelayo Street used to be home to Patanegra Bar Restaurante, a popular restaurant that changed the way people eat in Zamora. It was renowned for its creativity and use of local products, earning awards and praise fr...

Flavors Forged in Steel The Samurai of Iberian Ham and His Legendary Knives

Pata Negra Ham In the world of Iberian cuisine, where centuries-old traditions blend with cutting-edge culinary innovation, one figure stands out: Emilio José García Ortigosa, the so-called "samurai of ham." His artistry in slicing Pata Negra ham has revolutionized the experience of tasting this prized delicacy, elevating it to an unprecedented sensory spectacle that combines technique, tradition, and showmanship. Emilio, driven by his deep passion for steel and admiration for the Japanese sword-making tradition, has elevated ham carving from mere cooking to captivating performance art. The Intersection of Tradition and Innovation Emilio's journey into ham cutting began in his childhood. It was influenced by his family's deep-rooted history in Hijate, a region between Teruel, Serón, and Trevélez, known for producing exceptional white ham. He recalls his grandfather's cellar, filled with hanging hams, and the first time he reached for a knife to cut a slice as a s...

Savor the Finest Pata Negra Ham at Barcelona’s New Culinary Temple

Iberian Ham Barcelona has inaugurated a new gastronomic temple dedicated to lovers of purebred Iberian pork: Reserva Ibérica THE KITCHEN. This project, led by renowned ham refiner Manuel López, offers diners a unique sensory experience where Iberian ham and meats reach their peak expression. Located at Carrer Aragó, 258, the restaurant is not only a place to taste the finest ham but also an immersion into the tradition of the Dehesa, where each cut of meat is selected with millimetric precision by López. A Journey to the Dehesa from Barcelona Manuel López began his journey in the world of ham at La Boqueria market and has dedicated his life to perfecting the art of selecting and curing this iconic product. With his Reserva Ibérica brand, he has brought the excellence of Iberian ham to different parts of the world, from Barcelona to Vienna, Hong Kong, and Japan. With the opening of THE KITCHEN, López takes it one step further: “We want to bring the complete Dehesa experience to diners, ...

Miguel España e Hijos Prepares 3,000 Acorn-Fed Hams in a Fruitful Season

Pata Negra Ham The 2024/25 montanera season has been most productive recently, attributed to good weather conditions and a plentiful supply of acorns in the fields. This has been a major advantage for the renowned Spanish producer Miguel España e Hijos. The company announced plans to slaughter approximately 1,500 pigs during this campaign. As a result, the company expects to yield 3,000 acorn-fed Iberian hams and an equal number of shoulders, ensuring that its tradition of quality and excellence remains intact. Sustainable Production in Harmony with Nature Miguel España e Hijos has a vast estate of 1,500 hectares, where 450 animals are raised annually. To meet the increasing demand while upholding its quality standards, the company also works with reliable local farms with which it has established long-term partnerships. This sustainable model ensures the continuity of traditional Iberian ham production and respects the environment, preserving the delicate balance of the dehesa ecosyst...

Discover the Heritage and Flavor of La Joya Iberian Ham in León and Santander

La Joya's Iberian Ham La Joya, a historic Iberian ham brand from El Repilado in the municipality of Jabugo, has been winning the hearts and palates of Iberian ham lovers worldwide for decades. Renowned for its superior quality and craftsmanship, La Joya is distinguished by its dedication to traditional techniques and an exceptional team of master ham makers. In León and Santander, this iconic brand is making waves thanks to partnerships with A Cuchillo and Alimentación Diferente. A Tradition of Excellence at La Joya La Joya's drying room is one of the oldest in the Iberian ham-producing region of Jabugo. This historic facility employs a careful, artisan method for curing ham, where master ham makers manually control temperatures in natural cellars, passing down knowledge through generations. When the region's unique climate and the team’s skilled craftsmanship combine it results in hams rich in flavor and history. José Quintana, Sales Manager at La Joya, notes, “The real v...