Benahavis charity event: Michelin chefs give hands-on lessons on healthy eating to 150 children

The eighth ChefsForChildren gathering took place at Anantara villa Padierna, Benahavis, on April 20, and featured Michelin-starred chefs all over Spain.

The top names in the field led practical workshops for 150 children including those with rare diseases and pupils from Daidin & Atalaya schools.

Workshops turn simple recipes into fun nutrition lessons

Young participants followed the motto ‘Enjoying healthy food is fun‘ while the very best of Spain’s chefs demonstrated easy dishes in a playful setting.

Le Cordon Bleu Madrid instructors and Benahavis Hospitality School student added extra educational value to the day. The day began with a gastronomic workshop, before the chefs took part in the outdoor cooking sessions.

Gala dinner raises vital funding for FEDER

A charity dinner was held in the evening to support FEDER. FEDER is an association that helps children affected by rare diseases. It offers advocacy, resources, and information to help children affected by rare diseases.

An eight-course tasting menu was served at a very special fundraising gala that evening in which some 300 guests paid €300 a head at the Villa Padierna in aid of FEDER. Mario Cachinero from Skina, Benito Gomez from Bardal and Mauricio Gianovanini, Messina; Jose Carlos Garcia, Jose Carlos Garcia Restaurante; Diego Gallegos, Sollo; Dani Carnero, Kaleja; David Olivas, Back, and Diego del Rio, Boho Club, all worked hard in the kitchen.

Manuel Navarro was the executive chef at the hotel and he oversaw the preparation for a cocktail that was served in the garden of the amphitheatre. Domi Velez, a master baker, provided the bread for all of the events.

The initiative will be driven by the local products and sponsorship support

Organisers chose Malaga as the province to host this event because it is a hub of fresh and healthy ingredients. Malaga also has Michelin-standard food. Eladio, the owner of Frutas and Verduras Eladio, joined as a sponsor while his company is preparing for national expansion.

This popular event has been supported by many people, making it a regular on the Spanish social calendar of culinary events. Iberia, recognizing the importance of the event, arranged for a special flight that would transport the chefs.

Caixa’s social responsibility portfolio contributed. One representative spoke about how important the initiative was to her, as her daughter suffers from a severe collagen deficiency.

ChefsForChildren demonstrated once again its leadership role in education, societal unity and the finest cuisine Spain offers.