Carme Ruscalleda, a renowned Spanish chef, has decided to retire from the spotlight and give way to her son Raül. The latter, as talented as his mother, is heading Moments, two Michelin stars in Barcelona. Lots of news to coincide with the restaurant's 15th anniversary, and the arrival of the new year.
Cover photo: Marta Perez
The News
Raül Balam and Carme Ruscalleda are two peas in a pod, and it has nothing to do with the fact that they are mother and son and that they resemble each other in their facial features. “We understand each other with one look,” the young chef tells El País on the occasion of the 15th anniversary ofMoments (two Michelin stars located in the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Barcelona).
“It wasn't always this way,” says the award-winning "Raül arrived at Sant Pau in Sant Pol de Mar-three Michelin stars in 1996-because he didn't feel like studying. One summer I even sent him to be a fisherman!". Working in the family restaurant at a young age, and being treated like any other employee, was not that easy, but at the same time it turned out to be the only way to take off on his own and achieve spectacular goals.
"Initially I was more present, but now there is no need for me, Raül does very well on his own. I want to devote myself to home cooking and to my children. I know that my support is important to him, so I go to the restaurant every week to check in, together with my husband. The next day we submit a super-detailed report on service and hospitality, Toni is ruthless with judgments, sometimes overdoing it because he demands the best.".
To celebrate the anniversary both, by mutual agreement, decided to create an anthological menu, Los Momentos (215 euros), a carousel of iconic dishes thought up together. For example, Felicidad, cod brandade, with peppers and olives, inspired by Piet Mondrian's Dutch neoplasticism; or the famous Finding Nemo, a dessert made with seawater and almonds presented on the table inside a fish tank, where the film's famous clown disappears as if by magic when the waiter lifts the glass cloche. The whole can be accompanied by pairings designed for the occasion (295 euros).
Methodical, organized, serious, and with nerves on edge, they announce that there will be changes for 2025 “We can't say much about it, only that we are focusing on ourselves and the path forward”.
Sharing a passion establishes a bond that goes beyond space-time; it becomes a fertile ground where respect, creativity and affection are intertwined. For a parent, seeing their offspring realize shared dreams is like mirroring themselves, proudly continuing to be present, but stepping back, and leaving the stage to those who can now give their all without qualms.
