Trained in France, Paco Torreblanca revolutionized the Spanish pastry industry by blending cutting-edge techniques with his unique style. Over the years, he has received numerous awards, including the title of Best Pastry Chef of Spain in 1988 and Best Pastry Chef of Europe in 1990. In 2024, he was awarded the title of Ambassador of the Community of Valencia.
Francisco "Paco" Torreblanca García was born in 1951 in Villena, in the province of Alicante. At the age of 12, he moved to Paris, where he began his training in the world of pastry under the tutelage of Mr. Millet, the "Meilleur Ouvrier de France". During this time, he also attended the School of Fine Arts, where he honed his aesthetic and creative sense.
After more than a decade, he returned to Spain in 1979 and opened his first patisserie, Totel, in Elda. His innovative approach, combining techniques learned in France with Iberian tradition, quickly earned him recognition in the industry. In 1988, he was named the Best Master Pastry Chef in Spain, and two years later, in 1990, he received the title of Best Pastry Chef in Europe.
Paco has dedicated part of his career to teaching and outreach. In 2016, he founded the Escuela Torreblanca in Alicante, with the aim of training new generations. He has also published several books, including Paco Torreblanca I and Paco Torreblanca II, which collect his recipes.
Over the years, he has continued to receive recognition for his contributions: in 2020, he was awarded the International Gastronomy Award for Best Pastry Chef. Finally, in October 2024, he was designated Ambassador of the Valencian Community by the Generalitat Valenciana.