The ambitious Castell Sant Julià de Ramis project takes shape: it includes a hotel, a distillery, a large wine cellar, an exhibition, and most importantly, an exclusive fine dining restaurant. “This new venture allows us to rejuvenate our enthusiasm and that of the team, as it completes the entire ecosystem developed by El Celler in Girona,” says Joan Roca.
Chef's cover photo: @Mikel Ponce
The news
The announcement came in 2022, just as the COVID storm was subsiding: the magical brothers Joan, Josep, and Jordi Roca intended to embark on an ambitious project at Castell Sant Julià de Ramis, an ancient military fortress a few kilometers from Girona, already repurposed as a hospitality venue.
They named it “Esperit Roca,” and it is now nearing completion, with the restaurant having just opened its doors last Thursday. “It is a space where we can grow our teams, activate internal talents, and build a gastronomic scenario,” the three exclaim, aware of the ever-new challenges to be faced in conceptual, spiritual, and playful growth, as reported by La Vanguardia.
Access to the dining rooms is through the grand cellar, located in the ancient turret and stocked with 80,000 bottles selected by Josep Roca. Guests can then choose between two tasting menus made of Celler classics, in a dual format of 6 savory dishes and 2 desserts, or vice versa. Meanwhile, Mas Marroch, where the same concept has been carried out so far, will be dedicated to banqueting. However, the restaurant is just the beginning: within a few months, the hotel, the distillery, and an exhibition titled “CCR. Cuisine. Conscience. Research” are expected to follow. This exhibition will trace the 38-year history of El Celler and illustrate its creative directions.
Regarding the distillery, which gives its name to the entire complex, it will be open to visitors and will host a shop where products from Rocambolesc gelateria, Caca Cacao chocolaterie, and Roca Recicle, a line of homeware made from recycled bottles, can be purchased. On the upper floor of the castle, the fifteen rooms will offer an incomparable view of the Catalan landscape. The Roca brothers will announce progress updates as the work continues.
“This is a restaurant that, in addition to having a spectacular wine cellar, will have an exhibition space that will allow a much better understanding of what we are doing, how and why, sharing more than a restaurant can communicate through its cuisine alone, thanks to audiovisual materials,” explains Joan. “It is a reality that allows us to rejuvenate our enthusiasm and that of the team, as it completes the entire ecosystem developed by El Celler in Girona and its surroundings. Without moving, we have created a project that energizes us to continue enjoying what we love most: cooking, serving, and taking care of those who visit our establishments.”
