From EUHT StPOL to St.Pol HC: Evolving our identity for our 60th anniversary
17 March, 2026
Sant Pol Hospitality & Culinary Business School (St. Pol HC) has celebrated a historic edition of its flagship University Gastronomy Day. In its 45th edition, the event once again brought together the sector's young promising talents to compete in the 38th Young Chef Competition of Catalonia and the 42nd Young Bartender Competition of Catalonia, consolidating its position as the benchmark competition for hospitality schools in the region.
The Triumph of Young Talent in Sant Pol
The day's grand winner in the cooking category was Noelia Fernandez, a student at Joviat Culinary, who took home the Grand Prize and the Catalan Food Award for her dish, “Perdiu with Catalan-style Cabbage.” With this recognition, Noelia will have the honor of representing Catalonia at the prestigious European Young Chef Award.
In the bartending category, the top honor went to Martina Columé of the IGB Institute of Gastronomy of Barcelona, who earned the highest overall score and the trophy for best technique and dexterity with her creation, “Matcha Tropical.
St. Pol HC Representation: Effort and Recognition
As the host institution, we were represented by our students David Fibla in bartending, winner of the Best Presentation award, and Marc Rubio, a finalist in cooking. Both demonstrated great technical skill, the result of months of effort and dedication, and the creativity that characterizes the training at the school.
A Prestigious Jury and Masterclasses
The jury for this edition was chaired by Chef Jordi Artal (Cinc Sentits**) and bartender Alfredo Pernía (Solange / Bespoke Hospitality Art). Beyond judging the competitions, they both gave two master classes on excellence in high-end gastronomy and luxury mixology, inspiring the students in attendance.
The rest of the expert panel was composed of:
Cuisine Competition: Rosa Mayordomo (Catalan Academy of Gastronomy), Pablo Rodríguez (Catalan Tourism Agency), Cira López (Saber y Sabor), and Ramon Serra (St.Pol HC) as coordinator.
Cocktail Competition: Mariona Vilanova (Catalan Bartenders' Club), Toni Albiol (Best Sommelier of Catalonia 2023), and Jordi Sala (emeritus professor at St. Pol HC).
Complete list of winners:
38th Catalan Young Chef Contest
- Grand Prize: Noelia Fernandez (Joviat Culinary) – Pheasant with Catalan-style cabbage.
- Catalan Food Prize & Best Presentation Prize: Noelia Fernandez (Joviat Culinary).
- Award for Skill, Technique, Imagination, and Creativity: Izan Federico (EHTB) – Chicken ballotine with langoustines and stuffed parsnip.
42nd Young Bartender Contest of Catalonia
- Overall Award & Technique and Skill Award (Manuel Villalante Trophy): Martina Columé (IGB) – Matcha Tropical.
- Best Presentation Award (Josep Maria Gotarda Trophy): David Fibla (St. Pol HC) – Brisa d'Ebre.
- Best Tasting and Flavor Award: Jan Benito (E.H. Sitges Joan Ramon Benapràs) – El Ritual.
- Second Place: Xavier Martínez (Joviat Culinary) – Sal i Sol.
Nurturing Talent: Participating Schools
The success of this edition is also due to the great participation of schools such as: EHTB, Joviat Culinary, IGB, CETT, Vedruna PRO, Bisbe Sivilla, Escola d'Hoteleria del Vallès Oriental, EHTV Cavall Bernat, Institut Martí Dot, E.H. Sitges Joan Ramon Benapràs, Jesuïtes Sarrià - Sant Ignasi, and the host, St. Pol HC.
Special thanks to the collaborating entities: Generalitat de Catalunya (Prodeca and Catalunya Experience), the Catalan Academy of Gastronomy and Nutrition, IGCAT, the Catalan Bartenders Club – FABE, the Catalan Sommeliers Association, and the Town Hall of Sant Pol de Mar.
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