THE WINNER OF THE BEST CHEESE CAKE IN MADRID 2024 IS JAVIER ALFARO, FROM THE BESTIAL BY ROSA LA LOCA RESTAURANT
2024/07/29
Javier Alfaro , from the restaurant Bestial by Rosi la Loca , has been awarded the award for Best Cheesecake in Madrid 2024 . This prestigious competition, organized by the Association of Chefs and Pastry Chefs of Madrid (ACYRE), was held for the fourth consecutive year at the Gastronomic Innovation Center of the Community of Madrid.
Alfaro's winning cake stands out for its use of pure cured sheep's cheese from Campo Real, with the M seal for Madrid Calidad, and a special cream cheese that provides creaminess. The combination of these ingredients, together with the yolks and eggs from Granjas Villarreal, also certified by Madrid Calidad, achieves an unmatched smoothness in the mouth. The cake is presented accompanied by a Kalamata olive, fig and almond jam, evoking the flavor of Madrid appetizers in a sweet bite. "Madrid tastes like the countryside even in the desserts," commented Javier Alfaro upon receiving the award.
Second and third place
Second place went to Juan López Guerrero from Antojo's Gallery, who presented an innovative cheesecake in a format to be tasted by hand. This creation uses a crunchy sablée dough base and a cream made with semi-cured Peñagorda blend cheese and La Colmenareña cream, both certified local products. The cake is completed with meringue and decorated with a freeze-dried pink flower.
Third position went to La Lucastería, represented by María de Lucas and Miguel Ángel Mateos. Their proposal included wooden boxes with cheesecake to share, at a price of 12 euros. The cake is made with cream cheese from Albe Lácteas del Jarama, goat capricho from Quesería Vega de San Martín and organic cheese from Quesería Suerte Ampanera. The combination of these cheeses, along with butter from La Colmenareña and eggs from Granjas Villarreal, creates a creamy and buttery texture with a sweet touch.
The importance of Madrid cheeses
The president of ACYRE Madrid, Eduardo Casquero, highlighted the relevance of Madrid cheeses in the creation of these cakes: "Madrid cheeses have been the most important ingredient to give the personal and differentiating touch to these cakes. In the Community of Madrid there are different types to provide soft flavors or those of goat that give more diverse nuances in the mouth. The best thing is that they always make those who taste them enjoy, as the jury has done today and now everyone who goes to these restaurants and stores will be able to do so. gourmet to savor these cakes".
A high level competition
The contest had the participation of 26 chefs and pastry chefs, of which 13 reached the final. Participants had to include at least one cheese with the M seal for Certified Product and another product with the same certification. Among the finalists were notable names such as Sanca Catem of Latasia, Yolanda Rebollo of The Westin Palace, and Pablo David Maldonado of Chulla, among others. You can visit the route of the participating restaurants in the Best Cheesecake Madrid 2024 that we have prepared.
The judge
The jury was made up of recognized figures in the gastronomic field, including Claudia Covarrubias, Best Pastry Chef in the Community of Madrid 2023; Eva Garcinuño, journalist from Gastroactivity; Domenico Vildacci, head chef at Deessa; Noelia Tomoshige, revelation pastry chef Madrid Fusión 2023; Antonio Martín, journalist and cheesecake finder, and Rocío Zafra, specialist in artisan cheeses from Vega de San Martín.
The Best Cheesecake in Madrid contest not only celebrates the creativity and skill of pastry chefs, but also highlights local products and the rich cheesemaking tradition of the Community of Madrid.
