Eneko Atxa facts for kids

Eneko Atxa Azurmendi (born September 14, 1977) is a famous Spanish chef from the Basque Country. He is well-known for his amazing cooking and for being very careful about protecting the environment.

Eneko's Journey to Becoming a Chef

Eneko started learning to cook at a young age. His mother and grandmother taught him a lot about traditional Basque cuisine. When he was 15, he went to a special cooking school in Leioa, in the Biscay region. While studying, he also worked in restaurants, learning even more about cooking. Later, he worked in many famous restaurants, developing his own unique cooking style.

Opening Azurmendi Restaurant

In 2005, Eneko decided to open his very own restaurant called Azurmendi. It quickly became very popular! In 2012, Azurmendi received three Michelin stars. This is a huge award in the cooking world! It made Azurmendi the only restaurant in Biscay with three stars. Eneko Atxa was only 35 years old, making him one of the youngest chefs in Spain to get this honor.

Azurmendi: A Restaurant That Cares for the Earth

Azurmendi is not just famous for its food. It also cares a lot about the planet! It has been named the "most sustainable restaurant" in The World's 50 Best list twice. It even has a special "green star" from Michelin for its environmental efforts.

In 2012, Eneko built a special new home for his restaurant. This building is called a bioclimatic building, which means it's designed to work with nature. It uses recycled materials like aluminium, glass, and plastic. It also uses renewable energy systems like geothermal energy and photovoltaic solar panels. These systems help save 50% of the energy! Also, rainwater is collected and used for watering plants and in bathrooms.

Eneko also works with the Alicia Foundation and the University of the Basque Country. They are creating a special "germplasm bank" to store seeds from over 400 local vegetables. This project helps teach people about the importance of keeping different plant types alive. It also helps local farmers use compost (natural fertilizer) to make their soil healthy, which is part of a circular economic system.

In 2016, Eneko started JAKI(N), which is like a workshop for new ideas. It helps create projects that are good for people, the environment, health, and society. In 2019, he also started "Bestfarmers" to support and reward farmers who use sustainable practices.

Awards and Recognitions

Eneko Atxa has won many awards for his cooking and his work in sustainability. Here are some of them:

• 2003: Champion of Spain for Young Chefs.
• 2005: Opened Azurmendi restaurant.
• 2007: Azurmendi received its first Michelin star.
• 2010: Azurmendi received its second Michelin star.
• 2012: Azurmendi received its third Michelin star.
• 2014 and 2018: Azurmendi was named the World's Most Sustainable Restaurant.
• 2015: Azurmendi was named the Best Restaurant in Europe by Opinionated About Dining.
• 2016: Eneko Atxa won the National Gastronomy Award for Best Chef.
• 2017: His other restaurant, ENEKO, received a Michelin star.
• 2019: Won Best Chef Award in Europe by Madrid Fusion.
• 2020: Azurmendi and ENEKO both won a Green Michelin star for their sustainability efforts.
• 2021: Eneko Atxa won the first 'Sustainable Sun' Award from the Repsol Guide.
• 2022: Received the 'MadBlue Cinco Océanos' Award for his work in sustainability.

See also

In Spanish: Eneko Atxa para niños