James BryceBy James Bryce
A SPANIARD has been voted the world’s best female chef in a prestigious international poll.
Elena Arzak, 42, landed the gong in recognition of her work at the restaurant Arzak, named after her father in San Sebastian.
The eaterie has meanwhile maintained its position in the World’s Top Ten Best Restaurants, compiled by Britain’s Restaurant magazine.
It comes in, once again, at eighth, while Spain maintained its incredible grip on the globe’s most prestigious dining poll.
The country has no less than three restaurants in the Top Ten, with El Celler de Can Roca, in Girona, and Mugaritz, in San Sebastian, finishing second and third respectively.
Chef at Mugaritz Andoni Luis Aduriz was handed the ‘chef’s choice award’ in a poll of the world’s leading cooks.
Other Spanish eateries in the S.Pelligrini World’s 50 best Restaurants poll, included Asador Etxebarri (31) and Quique Dacosta (40).
Danish restaurant Noma won for the third consecutive year, while Heston Blumenthal’s once leading restaurant the Fat Duck dropped to 13th.
There was no place for Spain’s famous eaterie Martin Berasategui, which dropped off the list after finishing 29th last year.
