Blog Dani García Group | Grupo Dani Garcia

The Barcelona Wine Week returns from February 3 to 5 as one of the most important events on the international wine calendar. Held at Fira Barcelona, this annual gathering brings together wineries, winemakers, experts, and wine lovers from around the globe to explore trends and strengthen industry connections. If you’re passionate about wine culture, this event is the perfect occasion to immerse yourself in the richness of the sector.

What Makes Barcelona Wine Week Unique

Focused on promoting the quality and diversity of Spanish wine, the Barcelona Wine Week isn’t just a showcase for the most outstanding wines but also a platform to discover innovations and sustainability in winemaking. This year, over 75 wineries will present their products, featuring all denominations of origin from Spain—from vibrant Catalan cavas to robust Riojas.

Attendees will also enjoy a full program of activities, including tastings, workshops, and expert talks. Key topics for this year include the impact of climate change on vineyards, digitalization in the wine sector, and emerging trends in wine consumption.

A Sensory Journey

The Barcelona Wine Week isn’t just for experts; it’s a space where any wine enthusiast can indulge in unique experiences. The fusion of wine and gastronomy elevates the sensory journey, showcasing how both arts complement each other.

Leña Barcelona at the Barcelona Wine Week

Leña Barcelona is an unmissable participant in this remarkable event. Known for its passion for fire and its innovative take on grilling, this restaurant adds a unique perspective to the Barcelona Wine Week. Representing contemporary gastronomy at its finest, Leña brings excellence and creativity to the table.

On February 3, Leña Barcelona will captivate attendees with exclusive pairings that highlight creativity and respect for ingredients. Picture pairing a robust red wine with their iconic burger that redefined everything. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable gastronomic experience in a setting that celebrates tradition and innovation.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Event

Barcelona Wine Week is more than a fair; it’s a meeting point for wine enthusiasts and a showcase of Spain’s best. Whether you’re a professional or an amateur seeking inspiration, this event promises an unforgettable experience.

Attending the Barcelona Wine Week is also a great excuse to enjoy everything Barcelona has to offer. From its modernist architecture to its vibrant cultural life, the city is the perfect stage for an event that celebrates the senses.

See you from February 3 to 5 at the Barcelona Wine Week to toast to the passion and art of wine!

Every January 30th, the world marks International Croissant Day. It’s a day to honor this iconic pastry that has won hearts and taste buds globally. With its crescent shape and buttery layers, the croissant is more than just a coffee companion. It embodies baking mastery and how simple food can deliver pure joy. Discover why this day invites us to savor life’s finest moments!

A Classic with a Rich History

Though often linked to France, the croissant’s story is more complex. Its roots trace back to the Austrian “kipferl,” a crescent-shaped pastry from the 17th century. The croissant became what we know today thanks to French bakers who introduced butter-layering techniques. This innovation gave it the flaky texture and unique flavor that define it.

Celebrating International Croissant Day is more than an excuse to indulge. It’s a chance to appreciate the artistry behind its creation. Each layer reflects dedication, and every bite preserves a timeless tradition.

The Croissant Around the World

International Croissant Day also highlights how this pastry has been reimagined across cultures. From chocolate-filled versions in Europe to savory options with ham and cheese, the croissant adapts to all tastes. In places like Japan and the U.S., bakers have pushed boundaries, blending local ingredients or creating hybrids like the cronut.

Croissants Worth Celebrating

In Spain, some restaurants elevate the croissant to gourmet status. At Tragabuches, their weekend breakfast croissants offer a unique experience, blending culinary excellence with tradition. Whether classic or innovative, these creations add even more reason to celebrate International Croissant Day.

So, why wait? Indulge in a croissant today and rediscover its timeless charm.

At Lobito de Mar La Finca, our “Marinero” Daily Menu is a unique culinary experience for seafood lovers. Available Monday to Friday at lunch, it celebrates the freshness and quality of ocean products. Every dish is crafted with expertise and passion.

The menu starts with a fresh, light appetizer. Options include Lobito de Mar-style adobo, guacamole, or croquettes. Each reflects the authentic flavors of the sea, using carefully selected ingredients.

The main course changes daily but focuses on high-quality fish and seafood. Gadira tuna is a highlight, showcasing the essence of Lobito de Mar. Creative dishes honor the ocean’s treasures.

Dessert offers a classic touch, like our delicious cheesecake. A drink is included, all for €30 per person.

Freshness and quality

At Lobito de Mar La Finca, every bite celebrates the sea. It’s perfect for those seeking a fresh and memorable dining experience. Join us to enjoy the best seafood menu in La Finca!

Our “Marinero” Daily Menu is more than a meal. It’s a journey to the ocean’s heart. Each dish highlights the sea’s flavors, using only the freshest ingredients. You’ll also enjoy a cozy setting and excellent service. Ideal for lovers of traditional seafood with a twist. Let our chef surprise you with the sea’s finest each day!

At Lobito de Mar La Finca, the “Marinero” Daily Menu offers a well-rounded seafood experience. It combines tradition with innovative touches to delight your palate. Every ingredient is carefully chosen to ensure premium quality and exceptional flavor.

The appetizers are designed to excite your taste buds, preparing you for the dishes to come. The main courses emphasize seasonal fish and seafood, prepared to highlight their natural essence. Each plate showcases the chef’s dedication to excellence.

The desserts add a sweet, satisfying finale to your meal. Paired with a drink, this menu delivers a complete experience for seafood enthusiasts seeking something special.

Happy International Croquette Day! On January 16, is a date dedicated to one of the most popular and versatile dishes in world gastronomy. Originating in France in the 18th century, croquettes made their way to Spain through French culinary influence and quickly became a typical snack. This day celebrates not only the delicious taste of croquettes but also their history, tradition, and their ability to adapt to an infinite variety of ingredients and combinations.

While the classic croquette is made with a creamy béchamel and some type of meat, such as chicken or ham, it has evolved in many cultures. Nowadays, it is common to find vegetarian, seafood, and even more innovative versions with ingredients like truffle or cheese. Croquettes know no boundaries; they adapt to local tastes and are a symbol of “leftover” cuisine.

This day also highlights the importance of homemade food and the culinary tradition passed down through generations. In many countries, croquettes are the star dish of family dinners, celebrations, or tapas in bars and restaurants. The crispy exterior and soft interior are irresistible, and their versatility makes them suitable for any occasion.  

In addition to being a perfect excuse to enjoy a great croquette, International Croquette Day invites us to reflect on the cultural richness behind each recipe and appreciate the value of life’s small pleasures.

Dani García’s Croquettes

Dani García, one of the most renowned chefs in Spanish gastronomy, has elevated croquettes to a unique level of sophistication in his restaurants. Known for his creative and avant-garde approach, García reinvents this classic dish using high-quality ingredients and innovative techniques. Some of his standout croquettes include those filled with ham, shrimp, or roasted chicken.

If you want to try Dani García’s croquettes, you can visit his restaurants in Marbella, Madrid, and Barcelona, across all his brands: BiBo, Leña, Lobito de Mar, and Tragabuches. All of them feature this crowd-pleasing dish, and the chef’s croquettes will leave no one indifferent.

The Madrid Academy of Gastronomy honors Luis Baselga, sommelier and maître at Smoked Room, as Best Sommelier 2024 for his outstanding professional career at the VIII edition of the Community of Madrid Gastronomy Awards.

The Madrid Academy of Gastronomy awarded the Best Sommelier 2024 prize to Luis Baselga, sommelier and maître at Smoked Room, in recognition of his dedication, professionalism, and talent in the world of gastronomy and wine. At the VIII edition of the Community of Madrid Gastronomy Awards, held at the Royal House of the Post Office, the accolade celebrates Baselga’s exceptional career and his remarkable contribution to gastronomy and the world of wine.

About Luis Baselga

Luis Baselga, a graduate in Gastronomy and Culinary Arts from the Basque Culinary Center, began his career in the kitchen, later discovering his passion for wine. His professional journey in iconic Madrid restaurants such as Efímero and TriCiclo led him to specialize in wine selection and care, eventually joining the Dani García Group in 2021. At Smoked Room, one of the most exclusive spaces by chef Dani García, Baselga heads the wine list and manages the dining room service, ensuring every detail of the gastronomic experience. Baselga states, “For me, this recognition is a sign that hard work and dedication guide you in the right direction. I deeply appreciate the acknowledgment of my work in wine, service, and interaction with people.”

The sommelier emphasizes the importance of the support he has received: “I want to thank everyone who has always given me the opportunity and resources to develop my work and explore new paths. I am grateful to the Dani García Group for allowing me to build a project from scratch and bring it to excellence alongside a team without whom none of this would be possible, especially Massimiliano. Being able to work with the greatest example of discipline, consistency, and virtuosity—a mentor and friend—is a fortune I enjoy every day I go to work.”

Smoked Room

Since its opening in June 2021, Smoked Room has distinguished itself with a unique gastronomic concept centered around smoke, achieving two Michelin stars in its Madrid location and another in Dubai, reflecting the innovative spirit and culinary excellence of the Dani García Group. In this context, Baselga’s role as sommelier and maître d’ has been key to enriching the dining experience, offering a wine selection that complements each dish and elevates the guest’s experience in every way.

This recognition from the Madrid Academy of Gastronomy marks a milestone in Luis Baselga’s career, who, together with the entire Dani García Group team, is committed to continuing to elevate the level of sommelier excellence in their projects.

When masters from different bars come together to create something exceptional, the art of mixology is born. This October, El Coleccionista, located in the heart of Madrid, has been the stage for collaborations with Marlowe on Sunday, the 20th, and Sago House on Monday, the 21st. Coming up next, on the 30th, we’ll have the pleasure of welcoming the renowned Seville bar Montana, which will be making a one-night appearance to share its magic in an exciting guest shift.

About Montana

But what makes Montana so special? Located on the historic San Pablo street, across from the majestic Church of La Magdalena. This iconic spot has witnessed countless important moments in the life of Seville. Montana, in addition to being a city landmark, offers an experience that blends the rich history of its surroundings with innovation in mixology. This bar, whose building dates back to 1926 and has seen various incarnations from a tire shop to a famous toy store. It reflects constant change and adaptability—traits that also define its cocktail creations.

On this occasion, Montana’s unique atmosphere will be transported to El Coleccionista, where both teams will work side by side to deliver an unforgettable experience. Imagine enjoying the perfect blend of Sevillian tradition and Madrid sophistication, all in one glass. This is a rare opportunity for attendees to savor cocktails that fuse the best of both worlds, with exclusive creations that won’t be available anywhere else.

The meeting of two icons like El Coleccionista and Montana promises an evening full of artistry, creativity, and, above all, flavor. It won’t just be a showcase of skill but also a journey through history, from the streets of Seville to the vibrant heart of Madrid.

Leña, the culinary concept that revolves around the grill, technique, and top-quality ingredients, with meat as the star of the show and nods to Catalan gastronomic culture, arrives in Barcelona.

The renowned chef from Málaga, Dani García, will make his debut at the 5-star Grand Hyatt Barcelona hotel with the flames of Leña. The restaurant’s concept centers on the grill—meat and its various cooking methods take center stage—alongside the finest products, refined techniques, and references to Catalan culinary traditions.

Leña embodies the high culinary spirit of chef Dani García (recently awarded as the first Spanish chef to receive a Michelin star in Dubai with his restaurant Smoked Room). It aims to become a new haven for meat and grill enthusiasts, offering them the full experience of fire as the origin of everything, while integrating identity-defining elements and values (wood, charcoal, flames, smoke, and smoked foods) as the backbone of the concept.

The interior design maintains Leña’s essence, featuring a carefully curated, elegant, and avant-garde décor with stone and wood as the primary materials, evoking a sense of the primitive and primal. In 2021, Leña in Marbella was awarded the “Most Beautiful Restaurant in the World” by the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards. The opening of Leña in Barcelona marks the fourth iteration of this concept by Grupo Dani García, following launches in Marbella (2020), Madrid (2021), and Dubai (2023). In 2025, the brand will also arrive in Miami.

Excited about this new project, Dani García states: “We want Leña to ignite in Barcelona. I love being in this special city, which fascinates and excites me so much.”

The Essence of Leña

Various cuts of meat, Dani García’s iconic burger, internationally inspired dishes, grilled vegetables, and classic recipes executed with high precision. Leña offers diners an unparalleled sensory experience in a sophisticated and elegant space located in the 5-star Grand Hyatt Barcelona hotel, just a few meters from Camp Nou.

Leña upholds the high culinary spirit of chef Dani García (recently awarded as the first Spanish chef to earn a Michelin star in Dubai with his restaurant Smoked Room). It aims to become the new destination for meat and grill enthusiasts, ready to embrace all the rituals where fire is at the core of everything, while integrating key elements and values (wood, charcoal, flames, smoke, and smoked foods) as the foundation of its concept.

The interior design preserves Leña’s essence with a meticulously crafted, elegant, and avant-garde décor, using stone and wood as the primary materials to evoke a sense of the primitive and primal. In 2021, Leña in Marbella was awarded the “Most Beautiful Restaurant in the World” by the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards. The arrival of Leña in Barcelona marks the fourth opening of the concept for Grupo Dani García, following Marbella (2020), Madrid (2021), and Dubai (2023). The brand will also expand to Miami in 2025.

From October 18 to 27, Madrid becomes the cocktail capital thanks to the Madrid Cocktail Week 2024. During these days, the city dives into a whirlwind of liquid art, where top bartenders gather to surprise with their creations. Iconic bars, restaurants, and hotels join in this celebration, offering unique experiences that blend flavors, innovative techniques, and a dose of art in every glass.

El Coleccionista: A Must-Visit Spot

At the heart of this festival is El Coleccionista, a gem of Madrid’s cocktail scene. This bar not only offers a high-end cocktail experience but also turns each drink into a work of art. Located in an elegant and sophisticated corner, El Coleccionista is known for its ability to capture stories in every cocktail, combining unexpected ingredients with techniques that seem straight out of an alchemist’s lab.

During Madrid Cocktail Week, El Coleccionista presents an exclusive menu, inspired by autumn flavors and the rich history of Madrid.

What to Expect from Madrid Cocktail Week 2024?

This year, more than 100 venues are participating in the event. Attendees will have the chance to discover new flavors, learn about the latest mixology trends, and enjoy unique creations.

Don’t miss the chance to explore this universe of sensations. Madrid Cocktail Week 2024 is the perfect time to discover the best of Madrid’s cocktail scene, and if you’re looking for an experience that blends sophistication, creativity, and flavor, El Coleccionista is your ideal destination.

There are flavors that accompany us throughout life, those that transport us to the warmth of home, to the family table where time seems to stand still. New menu in Tragabuches, make us understand that true cooking is a journey back to those moments, which is why we wanted to pay homage to our roots with the new section of our menu: “Grandmothers in the Kitchen – Tradition at the Table.”

This section is much more than a nod to the past; it’s a tribute to the love our grandmothers put into every dish. Those slow-cooked meals that fill the house with their aromas and warm the soul are the true stars.

When we say “Grandmothers in the kitchen,” we’re talking about the very essence of traditional Andalusian cuisine, about recipes passed down from generation to generation, and that you can now enjoy at our restaurant, with the same love and care they used. But at Tragabuches, we don’t just bring back tradition, we adapt it to modern times.

Tradition at the Table

We want you to feel at home, for each dish to embrace you and remind you of the joy of enjoying a good family meal. From the first bite to the last, “Grandmothers in the Kitchen” invites you to rediscover those flavors that, though simple, have the power to touch the soul.

So, when you come to Tragabuches and sit down at the table, you’ll be sharing more than just a meal. You’ll be connecting with tradition, with our roots, and, above all, with the love that has gone into preparing every dish. Because in the end, good cooking is a way of caring, of bringing people together, and of reminding us that the best things in life are the simplest.

Come to Tragabuches and let our grandmothers tell you their story through each of their dishes. We’re waiting for you with the same comforting stews, but with the unique touch of our house!

Octopus, that fascinating marine creature as versatile as it is in gastronomy, has its own day of tribute: International Octopus Day. Every October 8th, seafood lovers around the world celebrate this day with dishes that highlight the delicacy of this cephalopod, with one dish in particular that holds a special place in Spanish cuisine: Pulpo a la Gallega, and at Lobito de Mar Marbella, we couldn’t forget about it.

A Dish with History and Tradition

Pulpo a la Gallega, or “Pulpo á Feira” as it is also known, is a dish that embodies the essence of Galician gastronomy. Its simplicity in ingredients and preparation only serves to highlight the quality of the main product: the octopus. Cooked to perfection, sliced into rounds, and seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, paprika (sweet or spicy, to taste), and coarse salt. All of this is served on a bed of boiled potatoes that is a must.

But this dish is not just a recipe; it’s a tradition, an experience that takes us back to Galician festivals, where it is enjoyed informally, but with a reverent respect for the main ingredient.

History of Pulpo a la Gallega

Pulpo a la Gallega has its roots in the ancient Galician pilgrimages, where this delicacy was prepared in large copper cauldrons during fairs. Originally, octopus was not a local product; it arrived from the coasts of North Africa, transported along the Camino de Santiago. Galician fishermen began incorporating it into their diet due to its easy preservation in brine. Over time, octopus became an essential food in Galician popular celebrations.

The use of paprika, imported after the discovery of the Americas, is what gave it the characteristic touch we know today, combining the flavors of the sea with the smoky aroma of this spice. In this way, Pulpo a la Gallega has transcended borders, becoming an iconic dish not only in Galicia but throughout Spain.

So whether you enjoy it at home or in a restaurant like Lobito de Mar, this October 8th, don’t forget to pay tribute to the octopus with a good Pulpo a la Gallega! The perfect excuse to savor a tradition with modern touches.