Meet The Head Chef Of La Esquina Alan Stewart

A definite contender for the hottest opening of 2015, La Esquina is a welcome addition to the Barcelona dining scene, serving wholesome homemade food prepared with only the best local produce. Open for breakfast and lunch every day as well as dinner Thursday to Saturday, La Esquina is one of those venues you find yourself wanting to visit at any time of the day (rest assured – the cocktails are as good as the coffee!). We met with Alan Stewart, head chef and culinary genius, to ask him about desert islands, Agatha Christie, Marmite and more.

What is the most unusual request you’ve had?

I was once asked to kiss a pig’s head for a picture. (I didn’t really mind that much!)
What advice would you give to someone who was trying to break into the business?

Be prepared for long hours and not much sleep, don’t be scared when things don’t go according to plan at the beginning, trust in yourself, work hard and believe in your product.

What’s next?

To keep developing La Esquina, establish it as a great neighborhood restaurant in the center of one of the world’s greatest cities, to develop my team — I love training people up and bringing them through the kitchen; it gives me a great sense of satisfaction.
What would your last meal on earth be?

Baked vacherin cheese to start, pot roast partridge and mashed potato followed by lemon tart — with lots and lots of red wine.
If you could only bring three things to a desert island, what would they be?

My family, my girlfriend and a box of matches.

How would you describe La Esquina in 80 characters?

Friendly fun restaurant, serving seasonal tasty food without fuss, all made by us with love!

Keith Floyd or Gordon Ramsey? Keith every time.

Apple or android? Android

Ian Rankin or Agatha Christie? Ian Rankin

Marmite: love or hate? Love, love, love (slightly addicted).

Love or friendship? Love

City or countryside? Countryside

About the author

Tara Jessop

Tara is a travel writer and editor who lived in Barcelona for 5 years writing exclusively for Culture Trip. She has a passion for sharing experiences around food and wine.