Siberian Federal University

The opening day featured potato tortilla, escalivada (a Catalan salad), gazpacho (Andalusian tomato soup), chorizo and lentil stew, paella Valenciana. Students and staff might want to taste other Spanish dishes at the university canteen in the following three weeks.

The Spanish Centre Director Natalia Burmakina said that Jacinto Salas Espinosa's visit was possible due to the help of 'Santander' bank, the university's international strategic partner. The Spanish visitor will give lectures at the Institute of Trade and Economics, he will speak on healthy food at the Institute of Physical Education, Sports and Tourism. The programme includes workshops on country studies for the students of the Spanish language and culture. «Spanish culture cannot be reduced to the Spanish language. Architecture, literature, music and food contribute to understanding, cooperation and integration. Festivals of culture and food might be particularly important», Natalia Burmakina said.

Marina Besfamilnaya, the president of 'Siberian Hospitality Association' believes that SibFU and Association may become professional partners and she hopes for the positive result of the collaboration. In particular, the arrival of a European chef in Krasnoyarsk is important for Krasnoyarsk restaurateurs because Spanish food is hardly represented in Krasnoyarsk Krai and professionals hope for a master-class from their European colleague.

Tatyana Butova, Deputy Director, Institute of Physical Education, Sports and Tourism, also thinks the Days of Spanish Food are educationally important. «This event opens the series of 'World Cuisine' events we intend to host at SibFU. They will definitely increase the interest of visitors in the region».