Jordi Joan

My name is Jordi Joan. I work in the restaurant Ca l’Isidre since 1988, so during 26 years — and this, as I just realized most part of my life.

I was born in Barcelona, sunny city with fabulous gastronomic possibilities. I didn’t have those thoughts that most people around: to become a bank employee or a director of the company, or for example, a museum worker?

Catering business – it’s our family business. What important is business, really loved by the whole family.

My parents opened the restaurant Ca l’Isidre, when I was 2 years old, in 1970. Looking at the way they live their work and enjoy everything that is happening in the restaurant or associated with it — for me it was absolutely natural desire to continue their work. Perhaps I haven’t seen for myself the other way.

From 3 years old my father took me with him to the market – for a long time we were choosing the best products for the restaurant and it was not a dull affair. It definitely had its magic. Perhaps it’s even better than if he taught me how to surf.

I really liked the food. Noticed my passion, my father helped me get an intern in restaurants in Europe, where I could develop my skills with the best experts and gourmets. One of them was Alan Ducasse — talented chef and restaurateur (you could even find it in wikipedia). He has a network of 27 restaurants around the world now — it’s just amazing! Then I worked with him in the Louis XV in Monaco — I learned a lot and insanely grateful for a great time.

Now my parents continue to work in Ca l’Isidre – my father every day goes to the market and my mother decorate the restaurant.

My favorite cuisine? Pretty boring answer. Catalan! Favorite food is also quite typical – it’s one of the gifts of the Mediterranean, though tortuous. I like Gambas, grilled. There are such big sea shrimps from the Spanish town — Palamos, heart of Costa Brava.

And in contrast with our kitchen — I like fried kidneys. There are enough recipes and in Chinese and Uzbek, Russian and even English cuisines.

I think my interests and hobbies are linked to my main love — food. You could say, I like wine professionally – so far that I became the sommelier. I like to travel and art. And good food in the trips.

I can advise you one thing: get in food not just means to satisfy the desire to be satiated, but also fun! Like the food — one of the most simple and accessible entertainment in this world. Glass of wine and your favorite delicacy could work wonders. And when to you it becomes a little simple gastronomic delights — I’ll always be glad to see you in his restaurant!

Dish, which you see on the photograph – is «Porcini in papillote with fois gras and black truffle.» One of those occasions when the dish even tastier its name.

We are famous for our dishes from mushrooms, so I immediately thought of preparing this recipe. It really is one of the favorite gastronomic wonders for our guests — perhaps even become a cult.