Participating in the European Young Chef Award 2023 marked a key moment in Osvaldo Sejas Velasco’s professional journey. Representing Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy 2025, he showcased a contemporary reinterpretation of Molls Gaudí, inspired by Catalan Modernism and Gaudí’s trencadís, combining tradition, colour, and creativity.
As an EYCA finalist, Osvaldo became an IGCAT Regional Chef Ambassador, committing to promote his region’s culinary heritage, local products, and sustainable food culture beyond the competition. Following his participation in the competition, Osvaldo completed his academic training and undertook a professional internship in a Michelin-starred restaurant, an experience that further strengthened his technical skills, discipline, and commitment to haute cuisine.
Later, he returned to a place that had already played an important role in his journey — Restaurant La Era de los Nogales, located in Sardas, a village of just 27 inhabitants in Huesca, Aragón (Spain). Led by Chef Toño Rodríguez, coach of the Spanish National Culinary Team, Best Chef of the Year, and holder of a Repsol Sun – the restaurant is known for its demanding standards, team spirit, and dedication to excellence.
With a clear goal shared by the entire team, Osvaldo committed fully to the project. At the end of 2024, that collective effort was rewarded when La Era de los Nogales received its first Michelin Star, a milestone that reflects perseverance, collaboration, and belief in a shared vision.
For Osvaldo, growth is a continuous process. His goal is clear: to keep learning, competing, and evolving, never settling, and always striving for more.
Driven by the same competitive mindset that led him to the European Young Chef Award, Osvaldo has continued to challenge himself beyond the kitchen. In addition to his daily work, he remains actively involved in the culinary competition circuit, taking part in pastry contests, Tapas de 10, the Granada Competition, and other professional challenges.
As an IGCAT Regional Chef Ambassador, this young chef embodies the spirit of the European Young Chef Award: using the competition as a platform for long-term professional development, cultural promotion, and international exchange. IGCAT warmly congratulates Osvaldo on his accomplishments and looks forward to following their continued growth and the inspiring journeys of emerging culinary talent across Europe.
About IGCAT’s European Young Chef Award
The European Young Chef Award is an annual competition organised by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Art and Tourism (IGCAT). It brings together young culinary talents from the awarded and candidate European Regions of Gastronomy.
Finalists qualify through local contests. They compete by innovating traditional regional recipes while using local ingredients, thus maintaining cultural identity and promoting sustainability.
The European Young Chef Award is organised and promoted by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Art and Tourism (IGCAT).
About the World & European Regions of Gastronomy
The World Regions of Gastronomy and the European Regions of Gastronomy, guided by IGCAT, work together to:
- Strengthen food security through the celebration of distinctive food cultures;
- Create employment by stimulating creativity and gastronomic innovation;
- Nourish children and adults through culinary and cultural education;
- Driving environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors;
- Supporting balance and sustainable tourism practices;
- Highlighting and supporting expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practices;
- Contributing to community health and well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT empowers local communities by raising awareness of the need to protect and promote regional food, culture, arts and natural assets. This work supports sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies, which are essential to safeguarding the planet, health, wellness and local economies.
Founded in 2012, IGCAT is a non-profit institute that collaborates with regional stakeholder consortiums in gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. The Institute relies on a global network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT serves as the official secretariat for the World Region of Gastronomy and the European Regions of Gastronomy Platforms. The Institute has also developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Foodie Websites Award and the international Food Film Menu.
