Querétaro’s Role in the Tapas Scene
Querétaro, Mexico, hosted the III National and II Americas Tapas Competitions from September 26 to 28 in the Jardín Guerrero. The event attracted over 10,000 visitors and generated an estimated economic impact of 13 million pesos for local restaurants, hotels, and suppliers.
Why Querétaro?
Querétaro’s selection as the host city is significant due to its designation as the Ibero-American Capital of Gastronomy by the Real Academia Iberoamericana de la Gastronomía. This partnership with Valladolid, Spain, supports a cultural exchange leading to the 2025 World Tapas Championship.
Highlights of the Competitions
- 2nd Place: Pedro José Calvo (Hotel Valencia, California, USA)
- 3rd Place: Juan Carlos Brandt (Complejo Capybara, Uruguay)
Mexican Winners
In the III National Tapas and Skewers Mexico Competition, Caleb Ventura (Café París, Hidalgo) emerged as the champion, representing Mexico at the 2025 World Tapas Championship in Valladolid.
- 1st Place: Caleb Ventura (Café París, Hidalgo)
- 2nd Place: Juan Manuel Galván (Restaurante La Doña, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato) — awarded 15,000 pesos and will support Caleb Ventura at the World Tapas Championship
- 3rd Place: Miguel Ángel Calderón (Restaurante Italik, Tulum, Quintana Roo) — awarded 5,000 pesos
World Championship Preparation
As the 2025 World Tapas Championship in Valladolid, Spain approaches on November 12, Querétaro’s competitors have been honing their skills. Organizers and judges offered mentorship to fine-tune each proposal, focusing on technical precision while preserving their unique identities.
The four spots in Valladolid have sparked anticipation and personal stories. Karbelnik, Calvo, and Brandt will carry the American flag, while Ventura represents Mexico. The remaining competitors leave with valuable lessons and clear goals for the next edition, already looking ahead to 2026.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Why was Querétaro chosen as the host city? A: Querétaro was selected due to its designation as the Ibero-American Capital of Gastronomy, fostering a partnership with Valladolid, Spain, for the World Tapas Championship.
- Q: Who were the notable competitors in the Mexican Tapas Competition? A: Caleb Ventura (1st place), Juan Manuel Galván (2nd place), and Miguel Ángel Calderón (3rd place) were among the top competitors.
- Q: What is the significance of the World Tapas Championship? A: The championship aims to refine competitors’ skills while maintaining their unique culinary identities for an international audience.
