Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of 500 of the finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants in 60 countries. From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Châteaux offers all the stops on the finest route for discovering each special place and country.
In all our properties, each maître de maison draws upon his unique experience and passion to share the authentic culture and tastes of his region with every guest.
Magical places and memories of a lifetime: whether it be a romantic weekend or to celebrate the important moments of life such as birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoon or family reunions.
Established in France more than 50 years ago, Relais & Châteaux has become a renowned reference of excellence in the hotel and restaurant world. The Association's mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.
Carme Ruscalleda - Restaurant Sant Pau Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux on the seafront
Nou 10, E-08395 Sant Pol de Mar (Catalunya) Spain Tel. : + 34 93 760 06 62 Fax : + 34 93 760 09 50
E-mail : santpau@relaischateaux.com Owners: Carme Ruscalleda and Toni Balam Maître de Maison: Toni Balam Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux: Carme Ruscalleda
Weekly closing: Sunday, Monday, Thursday noon Annual closing: First 3 weeks of May and November
I learnt my craft growing up in a family of farmers and shopkeepers whose values were based on the importance of high-quality work and ingredients, and those values are still with me today.
When I decided to open the Sant Pau, I did it because of my determination to use top-quality ingredients and combine them creatively. These are the values that have underpinned my husband Toni Balam's and my work since the day we opened. Working rigorously and respectfully has enabled us to achieve our most important objectives.
My cooking is inspired by Catalan recipes based on ingredients from the Maresme region. I try to cook modern, creative Catalan dishes.
What was your most moving culinary experience? I used to watch the little birds splashing in the tin dishes in my grandparents’ house when I was a little girl... Now that I'm an adult, I'm often attracted to exotic dishes made with innovative ingredients.
The most amusing kitchen incident you ever witnessed? Some Catalans had promised a book by “La Ruscadella” to a young Russian man who was passionate about fine food. The young man kept asking if it really was a book of Ruscadella. Apparently, he was finding it hard to believe. The mystery was solved once he had received the book, when he realised it was a book about Catalan cookery (in Russian, ruscadella means Russian meal).
Your best piece of advice for amateur chefs? My advice is for the guests who sit down at the table on Sundays: to the ladies and gentlemen who have enjoyed this unique meal, when you get to the coffee, stand up and applaud the chef: give her a standing ovation, in fact. You can’t put a price on a family meal!
Related links
Already been at Carme Ruscalleda - Restaurant Sant Pau? We are interested in your opinion
Spain
