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Asuncion, Paraguay.  Basques and fans of Basque cuisine are welcome today in Asuncion where the Festival of Basque Cuisine is taking place until next Saturday.  Iker Gonzalez Ayerbe, has traveled there for the occasion.  Ayerbe is the Executive Chef of the emblematic Maria Cristina Hotel in Donostia and promises to make this culinary encounter a memorable one. He plans to offer a panoramic selection of dishes that have made Basque cuisine one of the most vibrant and well-known in the world at this time, with several of its chefs and restaurants included on the top of famed international gastronomic lists.

Iker Gonzalez Ayerbe is from Donostia and masterfully cultivates the best of the Basque culinary tradition.  His travels, stays and exchanges have also allowed him access to other traditions, raw materials and styles.  He has gotten to know many cooks around the world and has participated in culinary encounters in places like Buenos Aires, New York, Lima, Moscow, Bangkok, Lisbon, Libreville or Barcelona.

This is the second time that he has come to Paraguay, invited to demonstrate his skill.  Last year he did the first exhibition, at the Sheraton, which given its success resulted in this new foray into the Paraguayan palates.  This time, in coordination with the Asuncion Basque club, he programed Thursday as the day to receive the Basque community, as well as other interested people who can attend throughout the Festival.

Iker Gonzalez told EuskalKultura.com that even if the process of getting some fresh fish, as well as some of the other materials needed, into the country, wasn´t easy, it is thanks to the collaboration that he has enjoyed there that everything is finally ready to provide an excellent Festival of Basque Cuisine. 

The event takes place at 20:30 every night until August 3 at the Sheraton Hotel in Asuncion.

-Here is an interesting article in a local media on last year’s Festival of Basque Cuisine: http://10000maneras.blogspot.com.es/2012/05/entrevista-al-chef-iker-gonzalez-ayerbe.html