SPECIAL AWARDS 2021
INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR
INSTITUTION: DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE
Gastronomy is one of the tangible elements that form the culture of a society, it enables us to approach culture in a more experiential and participative way. We firmly believe that paella is culture, it is a hallmark of the people of Valencia, it is a distinctive symbol of its particular character. Also, paella offers international projection for the seal of quality and excellence of the Valencian Community.
The prize will be collected by Vicent Marzà, Regional Minister for Education and Culture. At present he has a request on the table to make paella an Asset of Cultural Interest, this process has obtained extensive backing from civic and academic institutions in the Valencian Community.
PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
PRODUCT: FIREWOOD
Nobody questions that firewood is an essential ingredient in the pursuit of paella excellence. Those of us who love paella can distinguish those that are cooked over firewood, because that is when paella is at its finest. The wooden spoons awarded by Wikipaella every year since its creation accompany this public recognition, distinguishing the hospitality establishments that decide to cook over a natural firewood flame as an added value. Wikipaella wants to recognise the joint effort made by farmers and the catering industry to keep this flame alive.
The prize will be collected by Carles Peris, General Secretary of the Union of Farmers and Cattlemen, on behalf of small farmers who collaborate with the catering sector, and who after the pruning work coordinate or carry out the distribution of firewood. A good example of sustainability and collaboration.
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CHEF OF THE YEAR
MANUEL VELARTE
Throughout history the Velarte family
has worked to make paella great and also gigantic. Manuel Velarte senior launched a business model that was innovative for its time that has continued to evolve thanks
to the involvement of his descendants. Respect and maintaining traditional culinary techniques, the produce and the popularity attained by the takeaway rice dishes, make the family trajectory deserving of this recognition.
The prize will be collected by Manu Velarte, CEO of Paellas Velarte. Century-old establishment in the city of Valencia.
HISTORY
There are many who have either directly or indirectly fostered recognition of authentic paella brilliantly. With the aim of giving them their deserved recognition, since 2015 Wikipaella has distinguished them with the Special Awards for the Organisation, Product and Chef of the Year.
ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR
2015: Sueca International Valencian Paella Contest
2016: Villareal City Council
2017: Benicassim Paella Days
2018: City of Dénia
2019: Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, Climate Change and Rural Development.
2020: Ainia Technological Center
PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
2015: D.O. Valencian Rice
2016: Guardamar Spicy Red Peppers (Ñoras)
2017: D.O. Oils of the Valencian Community 2018: Rockfish
2019: D.O.P. Saffron from the area of La Mancha
2020: The Artichoke of the Valencian Community
CHEF OF THE YEAR
2015: Jose Andrés
2016: Raúl Cob
2017: Pepe Cabanes
2018: Rafa Vidal
2019: Salvador Gascón
2020: Hermanos Montoliu