What do paddle tennis and cooking have in common? The answer was a mystery until four food and sports enthusiasts decided to combine both disciplines in a unique event. Omar Díaz (Bar Omar and Sons of Javier), Bruno Armenteros (Gaig), and Rubén Corbalán (Eres Arte Studio) organized the Third Gastronomic Paddle Tournament last Sunday; a day that brought together, along with sacrifice and sweat, gourmet luxury and camaraderie among some of the most prominent names in the restaurant scene of Barcelona and Girona.
Among the participants, Michelin-star chefs stood out, including two recently acquired stars (Teatro Kitchen Bar from Barcelona and Divinum from Girona), who left the stoves for a few hours to showcase their skills on the court. After the padel session, a sumptuous feast was served: a banquet worthy of the occasion featuring caviar and oysters, wagyu beef, ham, and smoked salmon, cocktails and champagne, and even a traditional Catalan escudella prepared by none other than Carles Gaig.
Antonio Domínguez from La Sosenga and Álex Katib from Al Jaima de Abou Khalil, winners of the tournament
The idea of organizing this tournament arose a few years ago, as it had to, “sitting at a table full of food and drink,” explains Rubén Corbalán, one of its promoters. “When the word 'tournament' came up, our eyes lit up and we started making a list of friends on a napkin. It was like those great historical signings.”
Before this happened, some of the chefs were already gathering to play casual matches, but it wasn't enough. “They were very fun, but we felt like we could do something bigger. And that's how it was: what started as a few hours among friends ended up becoming a tournament,” adds Bruno Armenteros from Gaig.
Paddle tennis and caviar
The idea of organizing this tournament arose as it had to arise, “sitting at a table full of food and drink”
And it's that the competitive spirit of paddle tennis has more in common with cooking than it might seem. Omar Díaz, another one of the organizers, sums it up like this: “Both require many hours of dedication, but behind them there is a great satisfaction because you are doing something that hooks you.”
Carles Gaig preparing the escudella
According to the organizers, the third edition of the tournament, in which chefs Antonio Domingo from La Sosenga and Álex Katib from Al Jaima de Abou Khalil won, had a very high level. This is because since the competition started, some of the participants began to take private lessons, which has raised the quality of the games: “I don't know where the level will end up. Premier Pádel better watch out,” says Corbalán.
Carles Gaig was in charge of preparing the escudella enjoyed by the participants
However, not everything was about competing. Omar Díaz also recalls with humor one of the most iconic moments of the day: “Ending up dancing to Mariah Carey on the main dance floor with a more than festive atmosphere is something we will not forget”.
