Inside JRE-Spain: A Conversation with new President Teresa Gutiérrez
As part of the JRE-community, Teresa Gutiérrez has become a strong voice for authentic regional gastronomy and contemporary hospitality. In this interview, we speak with the chef and owner of Restaurante Azafrán about her culinary journey, the connection between cuisine and territory, and the values that shape both her restaurant and her role within JRE. The conversation highlights how tradition, identity and collaboration continue to define the future of gastronomy within the JRE-community.
From the Kitchen to Today
Can you give us a short introduction with your name, your restaurant, and your location?
My name is Teresa Gutiérrez and I am the chef and owner of Restaurante Azafrán, located in Villarrobledo, in the region of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. Azafrán is a restaurant deeply connected to our land, our local products and the culture of hospitality that defines our region.
How did your journey in the culinary world begin, and what inspires you most in your work today?
My journey began from a very natural place: the love for cooking, for sharing, and for creating moments around the table. Over the years, cooking became not only my profession but also my way of expressing who I am and where I come from.
What inspires me most today is the possibility of connecting people with our territory through food. I am inspired by seasonal products, by local producers, by tradition, and also by the challenge of adapting cuisine to modern needs without losing its soul.
A Personal Approach to Cuisine
Can you describe the philosophy behind your restaurant and what makes it unique?
The philosophy of Azafrán is based on authenticity, proximity and respect for the product. We work with the flavours of Castilla-La Mancha, but with a contemporary vision. Our cuisine is honest, recognisable and rooted in our surroundings.
Saffron from La Mancha is also a very important part of my cuisine and my life. It is not only a product with a deep connection to our land, but also a symbol of patience, tradition and identity. At Azafrán, it represents where we come from and the way we understand cooking: with respect, sensitivity and a strong sense of place.
Rather than saying that Azafrán is unique, I would say that what defines us is the balance between tradition and evolution. We want guests to feel the identity of our land in every dish, but also to experience something fresh, elegant and personal.
Hospitality is also essential for us: we want every guest to feel welcome, cared for and connected to our story.
Dish on the right (Corte Helado) - Photographer: Sofía Moro
Passing on the Craft
What advice would you give to young chefs or hospitality professionals who want to follow in your footsteps?
I would tell them to be patient, curious and consistent. This profession requires passion, but also discipline, humility and resilience. It is important to learn from others, to respect the product, to understand the business, and never to forget that hospitality is about people.
I would also encourage them to stay connected to their roots. Your own story, your culture and your territory can become your strongest source of inspiration.
The JRE Community
How long have you been a JRE member? What made you join JRE?
I have been a member of JRE for 6 years, and joining the association was a very meaningful step for me and for my restaurant. What attracted me most was the possibility of being part of a European family of chefs and restaurateurs who share the same values: passion, quality, generosity and respect for gastronomy.
JRE is not only a network; it is a community. It allows us to learn from each other, to grow together and to represent our regions with pride.
Which JRE values are most important to you, and how do you put them into practice at your restaurant?
The JRE values that are most important to me are passion, authenticity, sharing and respect for the product. At Azafrán, we put these values into practice every day through our cuisine, our relationship with local producers, and the way we welcome our guests.
We try to create an experience that is not only about eating well, but also about understanding where the food comes from, who is behind it, and what story it tells.
Shaping the Future of JRE
How long have you been in the board of JRE? What does this role represent for you?
I have been part of the board of JRE Spain since this year, and for me it is both an honour and a responsibility.
It represents the opportunity to contribute actively to the future of the association, to support other members and to help strengthen the presence of Spanish gastronomy within the European JRE family.
For me, this role is about service, commitment and teamwork. It is a way of giving back to an association that has given me inspiration, friendship and a broader vision of our profession.
What goals would you like to (or did you) achieve as a JRE board member?
As a JRE board member, I would like to help strengthen the sense of community among members, promote collaboration between restaurants and give more visibility to the richness and diversity of Spanish gastronomy.
I also believe it is important to continue supporting young chefs and future generations, helping them understand that gastronomy is not only about technique, but also about values, culture, sustainability and hospitality.
JRE’s Role in Gastronomy
How do you see JRE contributing to the development of gastronomy?
JRE contributes to gastronomy by connecting chefs and restaurateurs across Europe and encouraging them to grow together. It creates opportunities for exchange, inspiration and collaboration between different countries, cultures and culinary traditions.
It also supports young talent and helps give visibility to restaurants that are strongly connected to their territories. In this sense, JRE plays an important role in preserving culinary identity while encouraging innovation and excellence.
Looking to the Next Generation
What advice would you give to the next JRE-President?
My advice would be to listen carefully to the members, to lead with generosity and to keep the spirit of JRE alive: friendship, excellence, passion and collaboration. A president should inspire, unite and create opportunities for everyone to feel part of the project. JRE is strong because it is built on people, and taking care of that human side is essential for the future of the association.
