Madrid chefs mentoring next gen
Chef Periko Ortega of ReComiendo* headlined Le Cordon Bleu Madrid’s 2026 graduation as a mentor, linking Madrid’s culinary students directly with Michelin‑level leadership. That local momentum comes as the Michelin Guide’s Asia edition now counts 77 starred restaurants in Hong Kong — a reminder of how fierce international competition is shaping dining standards. (recomiendopower.com) (reflector.com)
ReComiendo won its first Michelin star at the Guía MICHELIN España & Andorra 2026 gala in November 2025, a distinction that elevated Periko Ortega’s profile ahead of his recent industry appearances. (diariocordoba.com) The MICHELIN Guide’s entry for ReComiendo describes the restaurant’s approach as driven by “fun, flavour, strong technique,” underlining the guide’s assessment of Ortega’s kitchen as one‑star calibre. (guide.michelin.com) Le Cordon Bleu Madrid’s XIV Premio Promesas 2026 shortlisted 50 candidates from 30 centres across 20 provinces for the competition phase announced in December 2025. (prnoticias.com) The Premio Promesas final is scheduled for April 14, 2026, with two scholarship prizes on offer—one worth more than €24,000 and a second of €9,000—plus a €1,500 prize for the winner’s training centre. (excelenciasgourmet.com) The MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2026, unveiled at the Grand Lisboa Palace ceremony on March 19, 2026, lists 77 starred restaurants in Hong Kong alone, underscoring the intense international competition shaping expectations for new chefs. (guide.michelin.com) At the same 2026 regional ceremony MICHELIN introduced a Mentor Chef Award for the first time in Hong Kong & Macau, signalling institutional attention to formal mentorship as part of elevating local standards. (journaldespalaces.com)
