Puente Romano Marbella and Nobu Hotel Marbella have concluded their inaugural Culinary Icons First Edition event, which brought together three culinary masters for an afternoon celebrating Andalusia’s prized Almadraba tuna whilst raising funds for the Spanish Red Cross.
The 2nd June showcase at La Plaza sold out within 24 hours, welcoming over 200 guests to witness Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Chef Izu Ani, and Chef Dani García demonstrate their artistry through live cooking presentations.
Five Dishes, One Extraordinary Ingredient
The afternoon’s centrepiece was the transformation of a single ingredient – the celebrated Almadraba tuna from Andalusian waters – into five distinct culinary expressions, each reflecting the individual chef’s philosophy and technique.
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa presented his signature approach with Fatty Tuna Neck Nigiri and Tuna and Caviar Spoon Maki, showcasing the precision and elegance that has defined his global reputation. Chef Izu Ani demonstrated contemporary flair through Tuna Tataki with Truffle and Tuna Tartare Cone with Caviar, whilst Chef Dani García offered his interpretation with Tuna Parpatana accompanied by Celeriac Purée.
The format allowed guests to observe each chef’s methodology up close before tasting the results, prepared by the kitchen teams from Nobu Marbella, Gaia Marbella, and Leña Marbella respectively.
Celebrating Regional Heritage
Resort owner Daniel Shamoon opened the proceedings, reinforcing his vision of establishing Puente Romano as a gastronomic destination within the Mediterranean landscape. The choice of Almadraba tuna particularly resonated, representing both the ancient fishing traditions of the region and the exceptional quality that draws international culinary talent to Andalusia.
General Manager Gonzalo Rodriguez presented each participating chef with bespoke gifts reflecting local craftsmanship: artisan utensils carved from Andalusian olive wood and garum sauce, the latter representing a revival of Roman culinary heritage once produced in Marbella itself.
Supporting the Community
Beyond the culinary spectacle, the event maintained its charitable focus through a raffle supporting the Spanish Red Cross. Prizes included accommodation at Nobu Hotel Marbella and dining experiences across Puente Romano’s restaurant collection, extending the event’s impact beyond the afternoon itself.
The success of this Culinary Icons First Edition establishes the foundation for what organisers intend as an annual celebration of culinary excellence, positioning Marbella’s dining scene within the broader context of Mediterranean gastronomy.
The afternoon demonstrated how a single exceptional ingredient could serve as the canvas for three distinct culinary visions, each chef’s interpretation revealing both personal artistry and respect for the raw material’s inherent quality.
You can read The Luxury Editor review of Puente Romano Marbella here.
Contact Details:
Address: Puente Romano Marbella, Bulevar Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n 29602 Marbella, Málaga,
Website: www.puenteromano.com/
