The Balearic Islands tourist board recently showcased the local cuisine of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza & Formentera as part of  its ‘Better in Winter’ tourism strategy.

The islands brought a taste of the Mediterranean to London at a festive gastro pop-up featuring double Michelin Star chef Fernando P. Arellano.

Showcasing the culinary variety and diversity of the Balearic Islands whilst emphasising the efforts being made by the tourism board to position the Balearic Islands as a leading year-round gastro hub, the event welcomed members of the UK travel industry.

Promoting the islands at a more authentic time of the year, ambassador of Balearic cuisine, Arellano, prepared dishes made with locally-sourced Balearic ingredients.

These included a special ‘sopa de nadal’, a traditional Christmas chicken broth, ‘Porcella amb anfos’, a stuffed suckling pig with roasted onion and apple puree, and ‘Ensaimada de torro’, a speciality Mallorcan almond filled sweet bread.

Each course was paired with local wine from the region, showcasing different flavours of the Balearic Islands.

In 2005, Arellano opened ‘Zaranda’ in Madrid before relocating the restaurant to the luxury Hotel Castell de Son Claret in Mallorca five years later. The ‘Zaranda’ restaurant remains the only restaurant in Mallorca to boast two Michelin Stars.

Focusing on fresh local seasonal ingredients from the land and sea, the Balearic Islands diet is characterised as part of the Mediterranean Diet, declared ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ by UNESCO in 2010 and reflects a way of life and a specific way of eating and cooking, involving sharing food and enjoying the surroundings.

In 2017, the Balearic Islands has welcomed gastronomic developments which have firmly cemented its position as a destination for a foodie break.

These include the retention of ten Michelin Stars at the ninth annual Michelin Star Awards, and the recent opening of a new gastro market (Mercat 1930) in the Balearic capital, Palma, as well as an ever-increasing number of new restaurants and bars.

The Balearic Islands Christmas event took place at Ice Tank studios in central London.

Marga Amat, president of the ‘Club de Producto Gastronomia de Mallorca’ said: “We are proud to offer a wide and diverse culinary offering in the Balearic Islands which is a major draw for many of our visitors. Food and drink is one of the most important parts of our culture and we are proud to showcase this in London. We look forward to welcoming British guests to our islands to enjoy our wonderful cuisine at any time of year.

For more information on what to see and do in the Balearic Islands, please visit www.illesbalears.travel