Second semi-final of the ‘Chef and Waiter of the Year 2025-2026’ competition
On 13 November, the CDT in Alicante will host the second semi-final of the ‘Chef and Waiter of the Year 2025-2026’ competition, a nationally renowned event that will bring together some of the best professionals in Spanish gastronomy, including several Michelin-starred chefs. As part of the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy 2025, the city will be the setting for an intense day that will combine culinary competition, training, debate and live gastronomic experiences.
The Chef and Waiter of the Year competitions are biennial events organised by Grupo Caterdata. This edition (2025-2026) has two semi-finals: the first was held in A Coruña in April, and the second will now take place in Alicante. The grand final will be in March 2026 as part of Alimentaria & Hostelco (Barcelona).
The competition is supported by the Tourist Board of the Alicante City Council, the CdT of Alicante, the Provincial Council of A Coruña, Mahou-San Miguel, Juver, Bonduelle, Cirio, Cola-Cao, Florette, Amarga y Pica, Nocilla, GGM Gastro, La Finca Jiménez Barbero, Solán de Cabras, Pascual, Mocay, Duni and Gary’s, among others.
PROGRAMME:
- 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Simultaneous celebration of the official cooking and dining room competitions.
- 10:00 a.m. – Colloquium ‘Where are the women in gastronomy?’
Moderated by Rocío Riquelme, with the participation of speakers from MEG (Women in Gastronomy). - 10:20 a.m. – Hedonistic tasting.
Led by Yolanda Nieto, marketing director at Amarga y Pica.
10:40 a.m. – Showcooking by Silvia Antón.
Culinary advisor at Florette, focusing on the role of fresh-cut produce in gourmet catering. - 11:20 a.m. – Gastronomic demonstration.
By Leaders of Alicante Hospitality Associations. - 12:20 p.m. – Round table: ‘The challenges of the hospitality industry’.
Organised in conjunction with Alicante City Council and industry associations, with the participation of the Councillor for Trade, Hospitality and Markets, Lidia López. - 1:00 p.m. – Presentation: ‘A paisaxe que sabe’ (The landscape that tastes good).
By Mr Xosé Regueira, Vice-President of the Provincial Council of A Coruña. - 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Tasting of rice dishes from Alicante.
Prepared by students from the CdT in Alicante together with NTGAS.
- 4:00 p.m. – Presentation: ‘The new era of juices in mixology’.
By Mireia Riba, ambassador for Juver Zumos and winner of the 2022 Waiter of the Year Competition. - 4:20 p.m. – Round table: ‘Gastronomic tourism as a source of sustainability’.
With the participation of:
Ana Poquet, Councillor for Tourism at Alicante City Council
Xosé Regueira, Vice-President of the Provincial Council of A Coruña
José Manuel Camarero, Regional Secretary for Tourism of the Valencian Community - 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Awards ceremony.
With the presence of:
Luis Barcala, Mayor of Alicante.
Marian Cano, Regional Minister for Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism.
👉 Limited places available for professionals in the sector interested in attending the event:
✍️ Registration by telephone on 966 831 770 or via the form available here
