In June, Sofia became a meeting point for contemporary gastronomy, culinary education and international exchange as JRE members Coco Montes of PABÚ (Madrid, Spain) and Nikolay Popov of UNICA (Sofia, Bulgaria) joined forces for a two-day culinary programme organised by JRE Bulgaria, in collaboration with Mastercard, UNICA by Priceless and HRC Culinary Academy.

Bringing together exceptional dining experiences and culinary education, the programme reflected the values that define the JRE community: collaboration, mentorship and a shared commitment to excellence. Through a four-hands dinner and an exclusive masterclass for young culinary professionals, the event demonstrated how gastronomy can connect cultures, inspire future talent and strengthen relationships across borders.

Although their culinary journeys have taken different paths, both chefs share a common philosophy rooted in seasonality, craftsmanship and respect for ingredients. Their collaboration offered guests and students alike a unique opportunity to experience how these values can transcend geography while remaining deeply connected to local products and traditions.

A Four-Hands Dinner Inspired by Seasonality

On 9 June, the two chefs came together at UNICA by Priceless for a special four-hands dinner celebrating the finest seasonal ingredients from Spain and Bulgaria.

The menu reflected a shared belief that great cuisine begins with understanding ingredients, respecting their natural cycles and allowing them to express themselves with clarity and precision. Drawing inspiration from PABÚ's micro-seasonal approach and Bulgaria's rich agricultural and maritime heritage, the evening became a culinary dialogue between Madrid and Sofia.

Guests enjoyed a tasting menu showcasing seasonal vegetables, Black Sea seafood and carefully sourced local produce. Each dish highlighted the strengths of both chefs while demonstrating how different culinary traditions can complement one another through a shared respect for ingredients.

Menu Highlights

• Chilled tomato soup with cherries and vanilla yoghurt ice cream

• Black Sea mussels with saffron and citrus

• Warm Bulgarian tomatoes with pistachio beurre blanc

• Red sea bream and white asparagus

• Milk-fed pork with apricot-inspired accompaniments

• Summer fruit desserts and a childhood-inspired finale by Chef Popov
  

For Coco Montes, the collaboration provided an opportunity to bring the philosophy behind PABÚ to Bulgaria. For Nikolay Popov, it was a chance to showcase his distinctive culinary style, shaped by years of experience in Italian gastronomy and expressed through carefully selected Bulgarian products. Together, they created an experience that celebrated both individuality and collaboration.

Inspiring the Next Generation at HRC Culinary Academy

The following day, Chef Coco Montes led an exclusive masterclass at HRC Culinary Academy, engaging students and young culinary professionals in a hands-on exploration of ingredient-driven cooking.

Working with seasonal Bulgarian produce including Rose Magic pink tomatoes, Gergana cucumbers, Bulgarian Sivriya peppers, young nettle, wild garlic, broad beans and lovage, he shared the principles that guide his cuisine at PABÚ.

The session focused on much more than technical execution. Students explored the importance of seasonality, adaptability, continuous tasting, minimising waste and developing a deeper understanding of ingredients and their origins.

"Today's produce shapes tomorrow's dishes," explained Chef Montes, encouraging participants to see vegetables and seasonal ingredients not as supporting elements, but as the starting point of culinary creativity.

He also emphasised the professional values that have shaped his own career: humility, curiosity, discipline, openness to feedback and lifelong learning.

Strengthening the JRE Community Through Exchange

At the heart of the programme was the spirit of JRE: creating opportunities for chefs to learn from one another, exchange ideas and contribute to the future of gastronomy.

Bringing together Coco Montes and Nikolay Popov for both a collaborative dinner and an educational masterclass, the Sofia programme highlighted the value of international exchange and the strong connections that unite the JRE community across Europe.