Leña burned bright at every table with a 21-course tribute menu capturing the essence of El Celler de Can Roca. The one-of-a-kind experience was orchestrated by Dani García, in a warm and intimate setting filled with family, industry colleagues, and friends who gathered to celebrate Joan Roca.
On the night of the 10th, 30 of Spain’s most renowned chefs, collectively boasting over 70 Michelin stars, came together at Leña Barcelona, Dani García’s first restaurant in the city, located inside the Grand Hyatt Barcelona. Their mission: to honor, celebrate, and toast to Joan Roca, the soul of El Celler de Can Roca and its lasting legacy.
A Feast of Culinary Excellence
Chef Nandu Jubany (Can Jubany)* paid homage to El Celler’s Brioche with Wild Boar with his own Royal of Wild Boar. Mateu Casañas of Disfrutar* presented Olive Tapas – Coca Pizza with Truffle. Dani García (Smoked Room) served Anchovies with Truffle, while Alberto Chicote crafted Crispy Artichoke with Iberian Ham Essence and Spiced “Burrata”. Albert Adrià offered Partridge Chaud Froid with Sea Urchins, and Quique Dacostadelighted with Sea Urchin and Sausage Rice. The Puigverd sisters, daughters of Fina Puigdevall (Les Cols)**, brought the evening’s sweet touch with Honey Flower, Ricotta, Walnuts, and Ratafia.
These were just some of the dishes prepared by 21 chefs, all under the watchful eye of a beaming Dani García, thrilled to once again host culinary greats in his kitchen. The 120 lucky guests savored an unforgettable dining experience.
A Night Among Stars
Legendary chefs like Ferran Adrià, Pedro Subijana, Martín Berasategui, and Elena Arzak were among the esteemed guests. Close friends, including Toni Massanés, Carles Gaig, Salvador Brugués, Xixo Castaño, Quim Vidal, and Cesc Gay, also attended to pay tribute to Joan Roca, twice named Best Chef in the World (2017 & 2018) by The Best Chef Awards.
Dani García, deeply moved, shared: “This is the least we can do for someone who has given us so much. We all recognize his culinary genius, but beyond that, he is an extraordinary human being. I also want to acknowledge his brothers, Pitu and Jordi, and their entire family—key figures in El Celler de Can Roca’s success. But tonight, let’s give a round of applause to a man who truly deserves it all.”
Salvador Brugués reflected on the night’s magic:
“Leña was filled with genuine smiles and heartfelt gestures in every dish.”
Martín Berasategui added:
“Joan Roca touches our hearts like no other—unique, irreplaceable, a legend among legends.”
Joan Roca’s Legacy
At midnight, a stunning birthday cake designed by Christian Escribà and Patricia Schmidt made its grand entrance to honor the night’s celebrated guest. Overwhelmed with emotion, Joan Roca expressed his gratitude:
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be a chef and to call you all my friends. You have elevated our dishes and shared incredible stories of the inspiration behind them.”
He dedicated this tribute to his parents:
“We are who we are because of them. They taught us to love and respect this craft, to uphold values of generosity and humility. They started with nothing, and little by little, we have grown—yet what continues to move us most is welcoming guests, looking them in the eye, and thanking them for coming.”
A Gathering of Culinary Icons
The night at Leña brought together a remarkable lineup of chefs, including Albert Adrià, Andoni Luis Aduriz, Alberto Chicote, Diego Guerrero, Martina & Carlota Puigvert, Francis Paniego, Marcos Morán, Nacho Manzano, Nandu Jubany, Oriol Castro, Paco Morales, Paco Pérez, Paco Roncero, Paolo Casagrande, Quique Dacosta, Ramón Freixa, Ricard Camarena, Toño Pérez, and Christian Escribà & Patricia Schmidt.
For Dani García, this tribute was about more than just cooking—it was about friendship, admiration, and celebrating the legacy of a chef who has shaped the industry. With this event, he revived his famed “A Cuatro Manos” dinners, bringing back one of the most anticipated gastronomic gatherings.
