Have you ever wondered what paddle tennis and cooking have in common? Well, the answer was a mystery until four passionate food and sports enthusiasts decided to merge these two disciplines in a one-of-a-kind event. Omar Díaz (from Bar Omar and Sons of Javier), Bruno Armenteros (of Gaig), and Rubén Corbalán (from Eres Arte Studio) organized the Third Gastronomic Paddle Tournament last Sunday. This day brought together not only sacrifice and sweat but also gourmet luxury and camaraderie among some of the most renowned names in the restaurant scene of Barcelona and Girona.

Uniting Culinary and Athletic Passions in a Spectacular Tournament

The Gathering of Culinary and Athletic Greats

Among the participants, Michelin-star chefs truly stood out. Two chefs who recently acquired stars, namely from Teatro Kitchen Bar in Barcelona and Divinum in Girona, left their stoves for a few hours to display their prowess on the court. After the intense padel session, a lavish feast was served. It was a banquet worthy of the occasion, featuring caviar and oysters, wagyu beef, ham, and smoked salmon. Alongside these delicacies were cocktails and champagne, and even a traditional Catalan escudella prepared by none other than Carles Gaig.

Antonio Domínguez from La Sosenga and Álex Katib from Al Jaima de Abou Khalil emerged as the winners of this remarkable tournament. Their victory added to the excitement and prestige of the event.

The idea of organizing this tournament first took shape a few years ago. As Rubén Corbalán, one of the promoters, explains, "We were sitting at a table filled with food and drink, and when the word 'tournament' came up, our eyes lit up. We immediately started making a list of friends on a napkin, just like those great historical signings."

The Bond between Paddle Tennis and Cooking

Before this tournament happened, some of the chefs were already gathering to engage in casual padel matches. However, they felt that there was more potential. Bruno Armenteros from Gaig adds, "Those matches were very fun, but we believed we could create something bigger. And that's exactly what happened. What began as a few hours of friendly play among friends transformed into a full-fledged tournament."

Omar Díaz, another of the organizers, sums up the connection between paddle tennis and cooking beautifully. He says, "Both require countless hours of dedication. But behind them lies a great sense of satisfaction because you are engaged in an activity that truly hooks you."

According to the organizers, the third edition of the tournament reached an exceptionally high level. Since its inception, some of the participants have started taking private lessons, which has significantly enhanced the quality of the games. Corbalán remarks, "I don't know where the level will ultimately reach. Premier Pádel had better take note."

Carles Gaig's Culinary Masterpiece

Carles Gaig was responsible for preparing the escudella that was enjoyed by all the participants. His culinary skills added an extra touch of elegance to the event.

During the tournament, there were not only intense competitions but also memorable moments. Omar Díaz recalls with a smile one of the most iconic moments of the day. He says, "Ending up dancing to Mariah Carey on the main dance floor with a festive atmosphere is an experience we will never forget."