Confectionery maestro's flawed sweet treat's underlying meaning

In the heart of Castelldefels, the gastronomic conference held at the Evangelical Church recently saw a remarkable event. Francisco Somoza, a renowned master pastry chef, presented his latest creation, the "Imperfect Dessert," at the solidarity restaurant associated with Asociación Con Pasión.

Somoza, who is currently the head of the R&D Department at the pastry company Viena Capellanes, expressed his passion for the dessert as a symbolic contribution to the solidarity project. The dessert, a unique combination, consists of a square of coconut panna cotta, a chocolate egg filled with vanilla and mango mousse, pineapple fruit salad, and drops of mango puree.

Before the wine tasting and dessert presentation, Somoza hosted a cooking demonstration at the restaurant. He prepared a "sweet experience" for a group of thirty business people the previous night, on Friday 27 September, and also showcased another dessert, the 'Asturian.' This dessert is a combination of apple compote with rice pudding, a dish that brought him recognition when he won the competition to make the wedding cake for the wedding of King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain in 2004.

The city's councillor for Cooperation and Solidarity attended the conference, highlighting the growing influence of the solidarity restaurant in the municipality. It's worth noting that the space is also used for the practical training of a vocational training module of the Castelldefels Catering School.

Somoza, a member of an evangelical church in Madrid, has a long list of accolades to his name. He was awarded Best Master Artisan Pastry Chef in Spain in 2007 and Spanish Chocolate Master in 2011. In 2023, the restaurant donated 9,336 menus for people suffering from food insecurity, further emphasising its commitment to solidarity.

The conference also included a tasting of wine and cava, making it a memorable event for all who attended. With the "Imperfect Dessert" set to be available on the restaurant's menu in two months, the anticipation for this innovative creation is palpable.