Chef Juan Mari Arzak received recognition as an Honorary patron of the Basque Culinary Center (BCC) for his enduring contributions to elevating the profession of cooking. The award underscores his pivotal role in shaping the center from its inception and positioning the Basque Country as a global reference in world cuisine.
Arzak was among the earliest supporters of this gastronomy university based in San Sebastián, back when it was still a dream and is now a thriving institution where he has taught. The Basque Culinary Center offers a degree, ten master’s programs, and welcomes students from forty countries, as noted by Vicente Atxa, the chairman and rector of the board of trustees of Mondragon University, with which the BCC is affiliated. He stated that the day would be remembered in the centre’s history, honoring Arzak’s unique contribution to his work and his relationship with the students.
Dozens of professional colleagues gathered at the BCC headquarters in San Sebastián, including other trustees such as Pedro Subijana, Elena Arzak, Andoni Luis Aduriz, Martín Berasategui, and Diego Guerrero, along with many teachers. A wide representation from public life included BCC Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Policy Bittor Oroz, San Sebastián Mayor Eneko Goia, and Jabier Larrañaga, Deputy Regional Deputy for Economic Promotion, in attendance to acknowledge the recognition.
“This would not have been possible without the contribution of seven founding chefs, including Arzak,” stated the gastronomy faculty, which, together with the innovation center, helped establish the BCC as a reference “the one and only in the world,” as Atxa emphasized.
Deputy Minister Oroz thanked the group of chefs who introduced the new Basque cuisine, noting that the movement they sparked two decades ago has become a significant force for Euskadi. He added that the spirit behind the collaboration among competing chefs to create a new market requires a generous mindset and shared vision for progress.
Within this collective, Arzak stood out as a unifying figure who helped guide the movement and shape the BCC over the years, enabling the school to stay on a path of growth and influence. He became a symbol of leadership that connected educators, industry professionals, and aspiring cooks, reinforcing the importance of mentorship in culinary excellence.
The tribute, delivered without Arzak interrupting the event, concluded with a loud, sustained ovation from the audience. He joined fellow trustees and corporate representatives for a group photo, flanked by a large cohort of BCC students who witnessed the moment of recognition firsthand.
The celebration followed the Basque Gastronomy Gathering, an event organized by Mantala with support from the BCC and the Basque Government. The gathering brought together about 300 industry professionals to exchange ideas and contemplate the future of Basque cuisine, reflecting the regional passion for culinary innovation and education.