On June 25, Chef Andrés Torres of Casa Nova (1 Michelin Star and 1 Green Star) will host a four-handed solidarity dinner with Javier Olleros, chef of Culler de Pau (2 Michelin Stars and 1 Green Star).
The proceeds will go entirely to emergency projects in Gaza promoted by the ONG Global Humanitaria, founded by Torres himself. The dinner, limited to 34 diners (€200 per person), also has an open row 0 for those who wish to collaborate from afar.
We associate cooking with tasting dishes, discovering flavors and innovations, but there are those who understand it as an act of resistance. For chef Andrés Torres, every dish is a gesture of solidarity and conscience. From his restaurant Casa Nova, awarded a Michelin Star and a Green Star, to humanitarian missions in Gaza, Syria or Ukraine, his work crosses the culinary frontier and becomes an active commitment.
From left to right: Andrés Torres and Javier Olleros. Editorial credit: Global Humanitaria.
Food is being used as a weapon of war to kill, we have to be brave and use it as a vehicle to raise awareness of the injustices and get aid to make this famine disappear – says Torres.
Both chefs share a humanitarian, empathetic and deeply ethical vision. Javier Olleros, who leads the first Galician restaurant to achieve two Michelin stars, is a benchmark in sustainability and local produce. His project in O Grove, Galicia, incorporates his own vegetable garden, as well as Torres, responsible fishing practices and a deep connection with the land. Olleros argues that “we cannot remain silent in the face of the barbarism that is happening in front of our eyes”.
Andrés leads the ONG by being present in each territory where he sends aid, as is the case in Ukraine. Editorial credit: Global Humanitaria.
Andrés Torres, for his part, says it firmly: “Food is being used as a weapon of war”. As a former war correspondent, he knows what he is talking about. In October last year he participated in the launch of 30 tons of humanitarian aid over Gaza from a Jordanian military plane, and he has been taking food and medicine to areas affected by bombings in Lebanon or Ukraine. His ONG, Global Humanitaria, works in different countries in Africa, Asia and America focusing on education, health and food security projects for thousands of children. At the same time, it activates emergency protocols in conflict contexts.
In his restaurant Casa Nova, since he ventured into gastronomy, sustainability is an essential principle. They grow their own ingredients, avoid food waste and are committed to a cuisine that connects with the environment and people. Part of the restaurant’s profits go directly to the ONG’s projects. A circular model where gastronomic luxury becomes an act of responsibility, and this is what they try to let their diners know.
The chef in Lebanon. Editorial credit: Global Humanitaria.
This solidarity dinner is just the first of a series of events that Torres plans to organize with other committed chefs. The next confirmed will be with Víctor Quintillà at Lluerna on July 14. Global Humanitaria is already mobilizing corporate donations and sponsorships to expand the reach of the campaign. In addition to providing food, they also seek to form a team of psychologists to assist the victims, as well as to tell the truth that is being experienced in the region.
In addition to helping through row 0 by calling 669 604 824, it is also possible to donate through Bizum (06558) or directly to Global Humanitaria (ES83 0049 1806 9429 1063 9529).
