El Café Chicago, located in Zaragoza, is set to defend its title as the 'Best Torrezno in the World' on March 23 at El Burgo de Osma. This café made waves after winning the prestigious competition last year. Following the success of their torrezno, known for its unique flavor and crispy texture, the owners, José María and Juan Carlos Calvo, are eager to showcase their culinary creation once again.
The past week has seen exciting developments as El Café Chicago participated in the latest qualifying rounds of the contest—a competition organized by the Soria Association of Torrezno Manufacturers—which took place both in Zaragoza and Ólvega. During this event, El Café Chicago was once again crowned the winner among local professionals.
At the same time, the bar El Corzo from Pamplona emerged victorious at the qualifying round held at Ólvega, enjoying significant local support and participation from up to 13 other establishments. This year has been particularly competitive, and with the gastronomic honors at stake, the rivalry among cafés and bars is heating up.
Participants at the Zaragoza round included several noted establishments such as Restaurante Centro Soriano, Bar El Limpia, and the Bar & Café Maiquetía. They all vied for the title, but it was Café Chicago's torrezno, steeped in tradition and lovingly crafted, which secured the top spot. The competition for best amateur torrezno also showcased talent, with Carlos Alberto Márquez Garcés being declared the winner among the amateur contestants.
The traditions of making torreznos were preserved and celebrated at these local rounds, where participants displayed their unique recipes passed down through generations. The Calvo brothers reminisced how their grandmother Demetria and mother Flor instilled their passion for torreznos. Their dedication has marked Café Chicago's rise as they display their culinary heritage to the world.
The upcoming finals, set for March 23 at the Palacio del Virrey Palafox, promise to be the culmination of these exciting qualifying rounds. The torrezno, which is fried pork belly, has increasingly become more than just food; it is seen as an emblem of Soria’s culinary pride. Over the years, it has garnered fame and is now considered one of the main gastronomic ambassadors of the province.
Reflecting on the past victories leading to this point, it is worth noting the champions from the last decade—all of which were restaurants based out of Soria—until the remarkable win from El Café Chicago last year. The final list of previous winners captures both the consistency and depth of talent found within the Soria region.
Moving forward, the excitement builds as the final rounds of the competition will determine who wears the crown this year. The upcoming rounds will be held at Villar del Río on March 1 and then at Casa de Soria of Madrid on March 2. These successive events will determine who else joins El Café Chicago and El Corzo on the platform of excellence, as each establishment aims for glory.
With both regional pride and culinary excellence at stake, participants and the public alike are eager to witness the forthcoming showdown, where torreznos will be more than just tasty treats; they represent the essence of Soria’s rich culinary tradition. The air is thick with excitement as these competitors gear up for the final push to claim the title, making it clear—the stakes couldn’t be higher!