Eneko Atxa
Eneko Atxa Azurmendi | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 14, 1977 Spain |
| Occupation | Chef |
| Known for | Basque cuisine, sustainability in cooking |
Eneko Atxa Azurmendi (born September 14, 1977) is a chef from Spain specializing in Basque cuisine, widely recognized for integrating sustainability principles into his culinary approach.
Career
Eneko commenced his culinary education at the age of 15 at the Culinary School of Leioa in Biscay, Basque Country, initially influenced by his mother and grandmother. He acquired hands-on experience in traditional Basque cooking through positions at several restaurants before honing his culinary identity in renowned establishments.
In 2005, Eneko established his own dining venue, Azurmendi***. By 2012, Azurmendi*** had been awarded three Michelin stars, marking it as the inaugural and sole restaurant in Biscay to receive this honor. At just 35 years old, Eneko ranked among Spain’s youngest chefs to earn this prestigious three-star status. Additionally, Azurmendi boasts one green star and has twice been recognized by The World's 50 Best Restaurants as the "most sustainable restaurant."
The Azurmendi facility is constructed as a bioclimatic building utilizing recycled components such as aluminium, glass, plastic, and slag. It features renewable energy solutions—including geothermal heating and photovoltaic solar panels—achieving a reduction of energy consumption by half. The restaurant also recycles rainwater for irrigation and sanitary purposes.
In partnership with the Alicia Foundation and the University of the Basque Country, Eneko created a germplasm bank housed within Azurmendi’s Interpretation Center for Sustainability, safeguarding over 400 varieties of local vegetable seeds. This project promotes a circular economy through the use of compost generated by nearby farmers as fertilizer.
In 2016, Eneko introduced JAKI(N), an incubator dedicated to fostering innovation in areas concerning humanity, environment, health, and society.
By 2019, together with Xabi Uribe-Etxebarria, he co-founded Bestfarmers, an initiative designed to spotlight and reward sustainable agricultural practices by increasing producer visibility.
Awards
- Champion of Signature Cuisine for Young Chefs in Spain (2003)
- Haute Cuisine Award for Young Chefs (Lo Mejor de la Gastronomia, 2004)
- Launch of Azurmendi (2005)
- Best Newcomer Restaurant at Madrid Fusión (2006)
- Azurmendi’s First Michelin Star (2007)
- Euskadi Award for Best Chef of the Year (2007)
- Healthy Cuisine Prize from Galician Gastronomic Forum (2008)
- Second Michelin Star awarded to Azurmendi (2010)
- Prix du Chef L'Avenir from International Academy of Gastronomy (2010)
- Three Michelin Stars granted to Azurmendi (2012)
- Best Restaurant in Europe by Opinionated About Dining (OAD, 2015)
- Elite Traveler’s Young Chef of the Year (2015)
- World's Most Sustainable Restaurant Award by World's 50 Best Restaurants/Sustainable Restaurant Association (2014, 2018)
- National Gastronomy Award for Best Chef (2016); Azurmendi ranked tenth globally by Tripadvisor; National Hospitality Company Award for Commitment to Sustainability
- Recognized among gastronomy’s people of the year 2016 by Fuera de Serie
- ENEKO restaurant earned a Michelin star (2017); Azurmendi named Best Restaurant Worldwide by Elite Traveler; Eneko Atxa received GQ Businessman of the Year Award
- Westholme Highest Climber Award at World's 50 Best Restaurants (14th place, 2019); Madrid Fusion’s Best Chef in Europe; National Prize for Healthy Gastronomy to Most Outstanding Personality (2018)
- Green Michelin stars awarded to both Azurmendi and ENEKO (2020)
- Recipient of the first 'Sustainable Sun' Award from Repsol Guide; Sustainability Award from Madrid Fusión granted to Azurmendi (2021)
- Eneko Atxa honored with 'MadBlue Cinco Océanos' and Sustainability award from Gentleman magazine recognizing his sustainability efforts (2022)