Category: Smoked Room

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.

This October 5th and 6th, Madrid will be the epicenter of gastronomy with one of the most exciting events of the year: Chefs on Fire, where Leña and Smoked Room will have their own space. At the Real Jardín Botánico Alfonso XIII, more than 20 chefs will come together to create a unique culinary experience, where fire will be the true star. Under the flames, these masters will transform ingredients into gastronomic masterpieces, all in an environment that blends art, live music, and nature.

Where will it take place?

The chosen venue, the Real Jardín Botánico Alfonso XIII, is a gem of the Spanish capital. With its vegetation and tranquil atmosphere, it provides the perfect setting for this festival that combines the sophistication of fine dining with the great outdoors. Over the course of these two days, visitors will enjoy not only the aromas rising from the grills but also in the opportunity to watch chefs in action, preparing dishes right before their eyes.

Leña and Smoked Room

Among the participants of Chefs on Fire are Leña and Smoked Room. Leña has solidified itself as a temple for grill lovers, its concept revolving around intense flavors and the tradition of cooking over embers.

On the other hand, Smoked Room, with its Michelin star, is an ode to elegance and precision cooking, where smoke plays a crucial role. This space, renowned for its exclusivity and very limited capacity, has earned international acclaim for its meticulous attention to detail and its ability to transform ingredients through smoking.

Award-winning chefs, live music, and more

In addition to Leña and Smoked Room, the festival will feature over 20 renowned chefs, all celebrated for their talent and creativity in the culinary world. From standout Spanish chefs to international figures, each will bring their unique vision of fire-based cuisine. The result? A feast of flavors where respect for raw ingredients and technique is fundamental.

Chefs on Fire is not just a food festival; it’s a celebration for all the senses. While the chefs transform ingredients into exquisite delights, live bands will provide the perfect soundtrack to the experience.

Chefs on Fire is more than a festival; it’s a celebration of gastronomy, art, and music in a one-of-a-kind setting. It’s a place where fire comes alive in the hands of exceptional chefs and where flavor is elevated through passion and technique. If you’re a lover of fine food and looking for a unique experience, you can’t miss this event. Come and enjoy two days of culinary creativity, in an atmosphere where embers, music, and nature come together to offer something truly unforgettable.

On October 1st, International Sake Day is celebrated, and the world raises a glass to one of Japan’s most iconic beverages: sake. At Smoked Room, we understand that a gastronomic experience goes beyond the plate; it is the perfect union of ingredients, techniques, and, of course, exceptional pairings. Sake is one of those ideal companions, a drink that, much like our cuisine, reflects precision, balance, and respect for tradition.

Originating in Japan, sake is much more than just an alcoholic beverage; it is a true ambassador of Japanese culture. Its history dates back over two thousand years, when the first rudimentary fermentation methods gave rise to what is now one of the pillars of Japanese gastronomy. Over time, sake has evolved, refining and adapting itself until it became a cult drink appreciated worldwide.

What makes sake so special?

Sake stands out for being a deeply versatile and complex beverage, making it a unique sensory experience. Each sip reveals the dedication of generations of master craftsmen who have perfected its production. This liquor is made through a process of fermenting rice, using simple ingredients such as water, koji (a fermenting mold), and yeast, but the final result varies greatly depending on the variety, production method, and fermentation conditions.

Depending on how it is made, sake can present a wide range of aromas and flavors, from sweet and fruity to dry and earthy. The diversity is so vast that each bottle of sake can offer a completely different profile: from a robust, intensely flavored Junmai to an elegant, floral Daiginjo, perfect for the most refined palates.

It is this versatility that allows sake to adapt to a wide variety of situations and dishes. Whether enjoyed on its own, paired with a light meal, or combined with bolder flavors, sake has the ability to enhance each bite, bringing out the nuances of the ingredients without overshadowing them.

A toast to sake, a toast to culture

If you’ve ever tried sake, you know that each sip is a revelation. Its ability to pair with a wide variety of dishes makes it an ideal companion for any type of cuisine, not just Japanese. Its capacity to complement subtle flavors or balance bolder dishes makes it a perfect choice for seafood, fish, meats, and vegetables alike.

Dubai, a jewel in the desert of the United Arab Emirates, is a city that has captured the imagination of the world. With its stunning architecture, luxurious shopping malls and vibrant nightlife, Dubai has become a must-see destination for travelers from around the world. But there is one aspect of this city that is gaining attention: its dining scene, especially with the arrival of Leña and Smoked Room.

Upon arriving in Dubai, the first thing that captivates is its futuristic skyline, dominated by the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. This skyscraper is not only a testament to the city’s ambition, but also a symbol of what Dubai represents: a blend of tradition and modernity. The city offers experiences for every taste, from desert safaris to shopping at the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world.

Dubai’s beaches are also a major attraction, with golden sands and crystal-clear waters of the Persian Gulf. Places like Jumeirah Beach and La Mer are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sun. For sports enthusiasts, water activities, golf and skiing at Ski Dubai, located at the Mall of the Emirates, offer thrills galore.

Luxury and gastronomy

However, beyond the skyscrapers and beaches, Dubai has been emerging as a gastronomic paradise. Here, the flavors of the world meet, offering visitors an unparalleled culinary experience. And it is in this vibrant setting that renowned Spanish chef Dani Garcia has made his mark with his restaurants Leña and Smoked Room.

Leña, located in the heart of Dubai, is a restaurant that celebrates the magic of charcoal-grilled cuisine. Here, Dani Garcia combines traditional techniques with a modern approach to create dishes that are true works of art. From exquisitely prepared meats to vegetables grilled to perfection, every bite at Leña is an explosion of flavor. The restaurant’s décor, with its warm and sophisticated ambiance, perfectly complements the dining experience, making every visit a special occasion.

Smoked Room, recently awarded a Michelin Star, is more than a restaurant; it is an intimate and exclusive culinary experience, where smoke is the protagonist of each dish and every detail is designed to surprise and delight. With a sophisticated ambiance and impeccable service, Smoked Room redefines the concept of haute cuisine in Dubai.

The presence of Leña and Smoked Room in Dubai not only enriches the city’s gastronomic offerings, but also reinforces Dubai’s position as a global epicenter of luxury and culinary innovation. Dani Garcia, with his vision and talent, brings a touch of Spanish excellence that perfectly complements Dubai’s vibrant and diverse dining scene.

Smoked Room Dubai, the Dani García concept revolving around smoke and embers, has been awarded a star in the Michelin Guide just six months after opening.

This milestone recognises the culinary excellence and innovation of the concept and highlights Dani García’s successful international expansion.

Smoked Room, which elevates fine grilled cuisine with a unique concept in the United Arab Emirates, has been awarded a Michelin star at the third Michelin gala held in Dubai on 4 July at the prestigious One Zabeel.

Dani García’s most exclusive concept, which opened its doors in December last year at the popular St. Regis Gardens Hotel in the heart of the iconic Palm Jumeirah Island, has made it into the Michelin Guide thanks to a unique proposal with smoke as the protagonist. Chef Jesús Lobato has also won the Young Chef Award.

This award not only highlights Dani García’s culinary prowess, but also his successful international expansion, consolidating his recognition on the world stage and solidifying his reputation for excellence and innovation in the gastronomic world.

Originally established in Madrid, Smoked Room quickly earned two Michelin stars within six months of opening, captivating diners with its unique “Fire Omakase” concept, where chef Dani García’s artistry and technique intertwine with smoke and embers. Now, again six months after opening its doors, the chef receives a Michelin star in the Middle East, becoming the first international one.

Achieving success

“Receiving a Michelin star for Smoked Room Dubai is a historic and exceptional achievement. Michelin has an important meaning for me, as it has been a constant presence in my career since I started my career in the kitchen at 17 and earned my first star at 22, making me the youngest chef in Spain and the only one in Andalusia to achieve this distinction at the time. To receive a star in the first six months of opening in Dubai is really extraordinary. I am very proud and happy for my team. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has made it possible and for the Michelin Guide’s continued belief in us,” says Dani García.

Head Chef Jesús Lobato, Restaurant Manager Ugo Calia, General Manager Carlyne Leffondre and the entire Smoked Room Dubai team have also been enthusiastic about this prestigious award. Their dedication to providing an unparalleled dining experience has been instrumental in achieving this recognition.

With this award, Dani García continues to reap success around the world, bringing his gastronomy to every corner of the globe and now in the heart of the Middle East he reaffirms his commitment to culinary excellence and his influence on international cuisine.

On 25 June, haute cuisine lovers in Madrid were surprised with a unique gastronomic experience, thanks to Asador O’Pazo’s visit to Smoked Room. From Galicia, where it has established itself as a benchmark for Galician cuisine, the team brought an exquisite blend of the sophistication of Galician tradition.

From Galicia to Madrid

At Asador O’Pazo, they control the fire to cook the best products offered by the sea and the land of Galicia, choosing only the highest quality, and always as close and fresh as possible. They are Óscar and Manuel Vidal, two brothers who grew up in a family dedicated to the hotel business within the Scala Hotel Group. They have spent more than a decade perfecting their own project full of personality, the steakhouse ‘O Pazo’ (1 Sol Repsol Guide), located in the heart of Galicia, in Padrón, 25 kilometres from Santiago.

Fusion as art

Asador O’Pazo’s visit to Smoked Room was not only a showcase of our country’s talent, but also a celebration of gastronomic fusion as an art form. In an increasingly globalised world, the ability to combine different cultures in a harmonious way is an invaluable asset.

Fusion of flavours at Smoked Room: Matías Perdomo from Milan to Madrid

On 3 June, haute cuisine lovers in Madrid were treated to a unique dining experience, thanks to the visit of renowned Uruguayan chef Matías Perdomo to Smoked Room. From Milan, where he has consolidated his reputation as the first Uruguayan chef to receive a Michelin star, Perdomo brought with him an exquisite blend of the sophistication of Italian haute cuisine and the authenticity of South American traditions.

From Milan to Madrid

Matías Perdomo is a leading figure in the international culinary world. With his talent for fusing different culinary traditions, he has achieved recognition that transcends borders. In his restaurant in Milan, Perdomo has managed to combine the elegance of Italian cuisine with the intense and authentic flavours of Uruguayan parrillada, creating dishes that surprise and delight the most demanding diners.

Matias Perdomo’s arrival at Smoked Room was a long awaited event for many. This restaurant, known for its intimate atmosphere where smoke is the main ingredient, was the perfect setting for Perdomo to showcase his art. During his visit, diners had the opportunity to enjoy a special menu that combined the best of both cultures.

Fusion as art

Matias Perdomo’s visit to Smoked Room was not only a showcase of his culinary talent, but also a celebration of fusion as an art form. In an increasingly globalised world, the ability to combine different traditions and cultures in a harmonious way is an invaluable asset. Perdomo, with his work, reminds us that cooking is a universal language that can unite and surprise.

May 6th marked a culinary milestone in Smoked Room’s vibrant gastronomic scene, which achieved two Michelin Stars in just six months. This seasonally changing and evolving proposal had the honour of welcoming acclaimed Swedish chef, Niklas Ekstedt, for a unique event: A 4 Manos. A day that fused Ekstedt’s mastery of Smoked Room with the talent of the kitchen team, promising a gastronomic experience like no other.

From the moment you walked through the doors, the aroma of the smoky kitchen enveloped you, anticipating what was to come, the creations that Ekstedt and the Smoked Room team had so painstakingly prepared.

FIRE OMAKASE

The menu was a fusion of flavours and techniques, designed for the most discerning palates. Dishes such as Flambadou oyster, citrus tomato dashi beef fat and beurre bloc to cold smoked reindeer, morels and wild garlic leaves to Aburi mackerel. Each dish was a masterpiece of impeccable presentation and harmoniously balanced flavours.

Smoked Room, an exclusive concept, with space for 14 diners, dedicated to embers and smoke inspired by the Japanese way of understanding a dining room, allowed not only for an exceptional gastronomic evening, but also in the shared experience.

Ekstedt’s passion and commitment to cooking was reflected in every dish, while the Smoked Room team worked in perfect harmony to ensure that every detail was carefully executed. Guests were able to enjoy fine dining, creating experiences.

All in all, it was an unforgettable day, where the senses melted with the smoke.

After a period of exciting openings for Dani García, mainly focused on his hometown, the chef from Marbella now starts with a new international double opening, this time in Dubai: Smoked Room and Leña, which will be located in the exclusive hotel The St. Regis Garden, on the iconic Palm Jumeirah Island.

This exclusive enclave will host two new concepts signed by the Andalusian chef who, after his time in Doha, where he has the restaurants BiBo and Lobito de Mar, is once again betting on the Middle East as a destination to take Spanish gastronomy beyond its borders, now with Leña and Smoked Room. Thus, the Dani García Group’s expansion and growth process continues with the aim of promoting Spanish brand cuisine around the world.

These two proposals, although markedly different, have the same common thread: smoke. Thus, Leña, which will open its doors on December 18, and Smoked Room, which will open a few days later, will share location, but not space or equipment, and will be located in Al Nakheel Mall, connected through a green esplanade with the St. Regis Gardens Hotel, in the heart of the iconic Palm Jumeirah Island in Dubai.

Leña, the redefinition of grilling

On the other hand, and as in Marbella and Madrid, Leña Dubai will be a steakhouse that goes a step further and comes to offer locals and visitors an irresistible duality: the balance between Dani Garcia’s technique and honesty and respect for the product. Thus, it proposes a menu very focused on the raw material and its versatility in front of the embers, but with a very personal touch and a marked international influence, the result of the chef’s travels and experiences around the world.

His gastronomic offer has fire, embers and smoked flavor as a common thread. Thus, the menu of Leña Dubai will maintain dishes that have gained popularity around the world as the Burger bull, meatball yakipincho, Burgos lamb roasted with fine herbs, grilled lobster with sherry beurre blanc and fries with caviar, roasted leek with gribiche sauce and hazelnuts with black truffle or his famous foie gras in the form of apple with grilled garlic and lemon. Among the novelties, Dani García will present elaborations such as his famous grilled avocado from Málaga, this time with coriander pesto and feta cheese splash, 300 g of juicy grilled picaña or A5 Japanese wagyu loin tomahawk. To finish, sweet bites such as the new chocolate donut, mille-feuille with diplomatic cream or its emblematic tarte di rose.

Firewood in Dubai features an impressive bar and lounge area, a spacious indoor dining room for 150 guests and a stunning terrace overlooking Palm Jumeirah. In addition, its outdoor terrace seats 140 guests, with an additional 40 seats at the bar.

Smoked Room, elevating haute cuisine on the grill

Only a few months after its opening in Madrid, Smoked Room managed to enter the prestigious Michelin Guide directly with two stars. With this space, Dani García translates his passion for haute cuisine, embers and hospitality into an exclusive space with embers and smoke as the main pillars of the proposal. Thus, the technique becomes an indispensable part of each dish, turning the smoke into a dressing and a unique touch of each fish, vegetable, seafood or meat.

In this space, Smoked Room will offer the Fire Omakase tasting menu, a proposal that consists of letting yourself be carried away by the chef and enjoy, and will change according to the products of the season. As with the Madrid restaurant, the Dubai restaurant will have only 14 seats in a unique space where you can enjoy an unparalleled culinary spectacle in an incomparable location.

In this exclusive setting, the chef invites you to welcome the year with the New Year’s Eve experience, which promises an unforgettable evening in a cozy atmosphere, offering an exclusive and personalized culinary journey. Dinner will begin at 8:00 pm with a special “Fire Omakase” menu and will end at 11:30 pm with a delicious dessert that will mark the transition to the outdoor terrace. As the clock approaches midnight, diners will enjoy a reserved space on the terrace with breathtaking views of Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis The Palm. Strategically located, this area offers the best panoramic views of the city and is the perfect place to witness the mesmerizing New Year’s Eve fireworks display over Atlantis The Palm.

Thus, with the exciting launch of Leña y Smoked Room in Dubai, chef Dani García takes another step forward in his mission to bring Spanish cuisine to all parts of the world and captivate palates through the flavors of his homeland.

NYE, Leña Dubai

Smoked Room, the prestigious two Michelin-starred restaurant led by acclaimed chef Dani García, is a gastronomic oasis that combines culinary excellence with a unique sensory experience. Set in elegant and sophisticated surroundings, Smoked Room is a celebration of culinary creativity and understated luxury.

The star of Smoked Room is its focus on grilling and smoking technique. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes that highlight intense, smoky flavours, from perfectly cooked meats to fresh fish and seasonal vegetables. Each dish is a work of culinary art, meticulously designed to awaken the senses and delight the palate.

One of Smoked Room‘s signature dishes is the “Smoked Octopus with Truffled Potato Cream and Caviar.” The soft texture of the octopus combines with the smoky flavour that infuses depth into every bite. The truffled potato cream and hint of caviar add a sublime elegance to this dish, making it an unforgettable experience.

The ambience of Smoked Room is equally impressive. The restaurant has a contemporary and elegant décor, with soft lighting that creates an intimate and cosy atmosphere. Every detail, from the tableware to the presentation of the dishes, is carefully considered to provide a complete experience.

The service at Smoked Room is impeccable, with highly trained staff who are committed to making every visit memorable. The wine list is extensive and features carefully chosen selections to complement the dining experience.

In short, Smoked Room is an exceptional culinary destination that combines Dani Garcia’s culinary mastery with a passion for smoky flavours and gastronomic creativity. Every visit to this two Michelin-starred restaurant is an opportunity to indulge in extraordinary dishes and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of elegance and understated luxury. Coming soon in Dubai.