With the presence of state authorities, participants and organizers, led by the state secretary of tourism, Adriana Vega Vázquez Mellado, the Third National Pinchos and Tapas Contest Mexico and the Second Tapas Contest of the Americas concluded in Querétaro, contests that brought together chefs and cooks from different regions of the country and the continent.

During the ceremony, Secretary Adriana Vega congratulated the winners of both competitions and stressed that their triumph represents an opportunity to show the gastronomic talent of the region on the international stage.

The secretary announced that the winners of the continental contest were: in third place, Juan Carlos Brant, from the Capybara Complex (Uruguay); second place, Pedro José Calvo, from the Hotel Valencia (California, USA); and as the top winner, Erica Karbelnik, from Carbs Catering & Private Events (Ontario, Canada). The winners will travel to Valladolid to compete in the world competition, representing the American Continent.

Meanwhile, the winners of the National Contest were: in third place, Miguel Ángel Calderón, from the Italik restaurant (Tulum, Quintana Roo); second place went to Juan Manuel Galván, from La Doña restaurant (San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato), and as champion, Caleb Ventura, from Café París restaurant (Hidalgo), who will represent Mexico in the world competition.

"To the winners, I say: thank you for inspiring us with your talent and reminding us that, as we sit down at the table, we don't just share food: we share stories, dreams and future. I invite you to proudly represent Mexico and all of America at the Tapas World Cup in Valladolid, Spain. We wish them every success; we know that they will carry the name of Querétaro, of our country and of our region high," he said.

The state official stressed that Querétaro's gastronomy has positioned itself as one of the pillars of tourist attraction in the state, thanks to the richness of its ingredients, the tradition of its cuisines and the innovation of the new generations of chefs.

Finally, Vega Vázquez Mellado thanked Eva García Cuervo, director of both contests, for her collaboration and leadership in the organization of these contests that strengthen the gastronomic and tourist projection of Querétaro.