Argentina‘s foremost expression of Marca País (national branding) in the culinary world is the Michelin three-star and former World’s 50 Best number one (2019) Mauro Colagreco of Mirazur restaurant in the south of France. A true beacon of talent, the La Plata-born chef has set the bar not just for Argentine chefs but for innovative cooks around the world.

In the past few years, his stars have shone increasingly brighter, following openings in Tokyo with Cycle and Raffles London at The OWO — two cities that gastronomically scream “you’ve made it!” Sustaining their excellence, however, is a different story. Fortunately, Colagreco has been doing a fantastic job, and Marca País recognized his talents and efforts more than a decade ago.

Historically, up-and-coming Argentine talents have flown the coop in search of greener pastures and the far more rewarding (and equally green) dollar — although the U.S. hasn’t always been the destination of choice for those looking to gain kitchen experience.

Spain, however, is one for obvious reasons. The language, for one, as well as the relative ease of having the necessary papers to work there, and not just in the capital. In Valencia, Carito Lourenço and Germán Carrizo, from Córdoba and Mendoza, respectively,........

© Buenos Aires Herald