The final of the Degusta Jaén Gastronomic Competition, held within the framework of the V Food and Gastronomy Fair 'Degusta en Jaén', highlighted the traditional flavor of escabeche. A chef from the province secured the first prize with his dish 'My Grandmother's Pickled Partridge', a creation that blends culinary memory with contemporary techniques.
The winning proposal, which earned him a prize of 3,000 euros, was selected by a jury composed of gastronomic professionals and agri-food experts. The second prize, worth 1,500 euros, went to another participant for their dish ‘Braised partridge with chocolate and parsnip sauce’.
“"It's a very special recognition because it comes in your homeland. It's like playing at home."
The competition, organized by the Provincial Council, required the four finalists to cook live, within a maximum of two and a half hours, a free-creation dish with partridge as the main ingredient and using products protected under the Degusta Jaén brand. The story behind the winning dish reflects the region's cuisine, with flavors evoking the chef's childhood.
Although the dish's foundation is traditional, its preparation incorporated modern techniques such as low-temperature cooking, confit, and instant pâté making, in addition to meticulous plating. These details were key to transforming a family recipe into a high-cuisine proposal.
The chef, who has developed his own gastronomic concept in a restaurant in the center of Jaén, continues to work on new projects, including a more casual one and another in collaboration with his partner, always seeking innovation and professional growth.
