What’s cooking at the Grand Tasting?

Alex Urena | Pamplona

How do you prepare for a massive, multi-day tasting?
We prepare according to the event and space. If we're working an event in NYC, we cook at Pamplona and bring the food to the venue. We like to make sure there is enough food, so we usually make extra.

What is the prep like?
It is very hard work because we want to do the best we can since we are cooking for important people. It's similar to having a VIP at the restaurant. I want to impress them.

Will you be attending any of the other festival events?
No.

Anybody you look forwarding to meeting?
I'm not too excited to meet TV personalities, but I'm happy to see the other chefs and catch up.