Julia Medrano, the revered chef of the Hotel Villa de Almazán, is set to leave an indelible mark in the international final of the 17th Medieval Skewers and Tapas Contest. At 78 years old, Medrano will compete in his homeland from November 14 to 16 with his creation 'La vida es un carnaval', a skewer that promises a delicious amalgam of flavors and emotions.
Lovingly nicknamed the queen of Almazán's medieval pincho, Medrano took the win in the local contest last March and faces the next challenge with undeniable enthusiasm. "I always work to win," he declares with his usual sense of humor, underscoring the honor that defending Almazán entails for him in such a prestigious competition.
The dish that will take part in the contest, 'Life Is a Carnival', is built on a base of thin bread dough with lobster, enriched with cod pil-pil, tender onion shoots, and a wine and local mushroom emulsion. This combination of sea and land faithfully adheres to the competition's regulations, which restrict the use of ingredients after the discovery of America. At the same time, it reflects the balance between tradition and innovation that defines Medrano's style.
Recognized as an emblematic figure of Almazán’s gastronomy, Medrano has been present at every edition of the local contest, participating in twenty-one contests and representing Almazán in five international finals in places such as Coria and Hondarribia. Her perseverance and love for cooking have made her an icon of the event, in addition to being a pioneer in the Network of Medieval Cities and Villages.
"It could be my last participation, or perhaps not," jokes Medrano. Despite being retired, her energy and her desire to cook and to represent her people remain intact. This year, in addition to competing, she will take on the role of host of the contest, welcoming six chefs from various parts of Spain and Portugal, who will vie for the title of Medieval Chef 2025.
With his creation, Medrano seeks not only to come away with the prize, but also to reaffirm Almazán's status as the capital of medieval flavor. The queen of the pincho returns to the kitchen with the passion and authenticity that have always distinguished her, promising to turn this competition into an unforgettable experience.
