Carme Ruscalleda
Carme Ruscalleda | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth year and age Catalonia, Spain |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, Restaurateur, Author |
| Known for | Owner of Sant Pau restaurants, holder of seven Michelin stars |
Carme Ruscalleda i Serra (born in 1952) is a distinguished Spanish culinary artist, proprietor of the Sant Pau establishment located in Sant Pol de Mar, near Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, as well as Sant Pau de Tòquio in Japan.
Originating from an agricultural background, Ruscalleda pursued studies in Charcuterie and Commerce. Following her marriage to Toni Balam, a grocery store owner, in 1975, they launched Sant Pau in 1988. The restaurant was awarded its inaugural Michelin Guide star in 1991 and reached the prestigious three-star status by 2006. Across her ventures, she has accumulated a total of seven Michelin stars: three at Sant Pau in Catalonia, two at Sant Pau Tokyo, and another two at Moments Restaurant within the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona (which opened in 2016). This achievement makes her the sole female chef globally to hold seven Michelin stars. Additionally, Sant Pau was honored with the highest rating of three suns by the Campsa Guide in 1999.
Her culinary style is deeply influenced by Catalan heritage, focusing on premium seasonal ingredients and frequently featuring dishes that relate to thematic ideas detailed within the menu.
Beginning in 2000, Ruscalleda has authored multiple works centered on Mediterranean gastronomy, such as Cuinar per ser feliç (2001) and Carme Ruscalleda's Mediterranean Cuisine (2007). Since 2009, she has managed the Moments restaurant—recognized with two Michelin stars—at the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona together with her son, Raül Balam.
In popular culture
The album Ballem-la (Let's dance it) includes a sardana named Carme Ruscalleda, performed by the cobla La Flama and composed by Pere Vilà in 2001.