Can you imagine what life must be like now for those who live on the island of La Palma in the Canaries? The devastating eruptions from the Cumbre Vieja volcano over the past month have changed many people’s lives forever. How will they and the island ever recover?

Some financial help is to come from Mallorca, where eight of the island’s chefs have united to create a gastronomic fundraiser for those affected by the natural disaster in La Palma.

A Sunday Lunch in Solidarity

On Sunday, October 31st, eight chefs based in Mallorca – two of them of Canarian origin – will create the fundraising Chefs Unidos por La Palma gastronomic lunch.

The event starts at 13:30h and takes place in the beautiful setting of the 5-star Castell Son Claret in Es Capdellà. The Julian Vaughn Jazz Trio will provide the music.

The Chefs

The chefs giving their time to create this fundraising lunch are pictured above. Miquel Navarro of the Michelin-star restaurant Es Fum (St Regis Mardavall hotel) and Jonay Hernández from the popular Canarian restaurant La Vieja in Palma are from the Canaries.

Andrés Benitez creates plant-forward cuisine at the restaurant Botànic in Palma (Boutique Hotel Can Bordoy), and Joel Baeza is from the acclaimed Stagier Bar in Santa Catalina. Nacho Amores is from Ses Oliveres in Port de Sóller, and Toni de Pascual is the owner of Mel (Mallorca Eats Local) – which organises catering and gastro tours. If you watched the ninth edition of Masterchef in Spain, you’ll have seen him on your TV screens.

Jordi Cantó (Sa Clastra) and Pep Forteza (Olivera) are the two chefs who’ve been the driving force behind the event, which was the idea of the two culinary teams at Castell Son Claret.

More than a dozen local suppliers are contributing to the event with donations of their best products.

How to Support Those Affected in La Palma

Here’s a delicious way to do it: attend the gastronomic lunch on October 31st. It’ll be a one-off foodie experience to remember – and a way to show solidarity and support for La Palma in the Canaries.

The cost per head is 200 euros and places are limited. Reserve yours now by calling 971 138 629 or email reservations@castellsonclaret.com

©Jan Edwards 2021