Michelin-starred chefs Kike Casarrubias and Montserrat Estrada, known for their acclaimed Parisian restaurant Oxte, will open a new Mexican fine dining establishment, Papalote, in Barcelona after summer. The restaurant will be located on Diagonal, near Plaça de Francesc Macià. It brings a unique blend of Mexican flavours and Catalan produce to the city.
A New Culinary Transformation
Papalote, meaning "butterfly" in Nahuatl, represents a transformation of the Oxte concept. Kike Casarrubias stated it would evolve "without losing the connection with the root and the memory of the journey." The chefs aim to reinterpret fine dining. They focus on product, technique, and memory in a relaxed setting.
Montserrat Estrada added, "Oxte is the affirmation of an identity, while Papalote represents its transformation." The Barcelona location will offer both a tasting menu and a full à la carte. This approach will allow the chefs to "work with Spanish product and contribute a Mexican touch." It will accommodate approximately 80 diners.
From Paris to Barcelona
Barcelona provides an ideal setting for this evolution of a gastronomic concept. This concept started eight years ago in Paris. Oxte opened in 2018. It earned its first Michelin star in January 2021. This made Casarrubias the first Mexican chef in France to achieve this recognition. They were also among the first Mexican chefs globally to receive a Michelin star outside Mexico.
Casarrubias named Oxte after his parents' hometowns, Oxtotitlán and Tenango Del Valle. Estrada completed her culinary training at Oxte after studying in Mexico and France. Their cooking celebrates the union of French and Mexican gastronomy. Both are recognised as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. This new project extends their vision to a new city.
Impact on Barcelona's Dining Scene
The restaurant's location on Diagonal, a major avenue in Barcelona, places it in a prominent area. This district is home to many businesses and residents. It offers high visibility for the new venture. The blend of Mexican and Catalan culinary traditions is a significant draw for Barcelona's diverse food scene.
The arrival of Papalote highlights Barcelona's growing reputation as a global culinary destination. It attracts top international talent. This opening will enrich the city's gastronomic offerings. It provides residents and tourists with another high-quality dining option.
The opening of Papalote after the summer season will add a new dimension to Barcelona's high-end dining options. It promises to be a notable addition for both local food enthusiasts and international visitors seeking innovative culinary experiences.
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Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life. Read original article.
