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[title]Recent recognitions have elevated Sebastián Weigandt to a position of prestige. In 2023, Azafrán, where he serves as the gastronomic manager, earned its first Michelin star in Mendoza City. Additionally, on November 26, the restaurant ranked 84th on the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list.
In October 2024, Weigandt was honored in the “Excellence” category at The Best Chef awards in Dubai, standing among an elite group of luxury restaurant representatives from around the world. Competing against 500 chefs, the Mendocino was recognized for his exceptional culinary standards.
“This award is incredibly significant to me, and it’s an honor to have achieved it alongside colleagues from different countries representing Argentina. Other Argentine chefs were also recognized for their distinct styles. Argentine cuisine is truly elevated, and that fills me with pride,” he reflects.
A native of Mendoza, Weigandt’s passion for gastronomy was born from the traditional and flavorful dishes his maternal grandmother prepared during his childhood. “It was in those pots simmering for hours that I began developing my palate,” he recalls.
“Argentine cuisine is truly elevated, and that fills me with pride”, Weigandt
In 2001, amid an economic crisis, Sebastián shared his intention to pursue culinary studies with his family. By then, he was already experienced in preparing recipes for his close circle. He enrolled at the Malvinas Argentinas provincial culinary school, and just two months in, secured a job that allowed him to finance his studies.
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“My first job was preparing meals for a company until 2005 when I heard about the opening of La Bourgogne at the Diplomatic Hotel in Mendoza, led by Jean-Paul Bondoux. I submitted my resume and was fortunate enough to be selected, receiving invaluable training from this master and his team from France, who introduced me to new products and techniques,” he shares.
Later, he worked at Bodega Los Toneles restaurant and led the kitchens at Renacer and Achaval Ferrer wineries in Luján de Cuyo. Since 2019, following several trips to Spain driven by curiosity and a thirst for continuous learning, Sebastián Weigandt has been in charge of the fine dining concept at Azafrán, located just a few blocks from Plaza Independencia in Mendoza City.
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“Fine dining encompasses everything, from ingredient selection to service and ambiance. It’s all about the experience,” Weigandt explains. Azafrán’s proposal, translated to Spanish as alta cocina, aims to create a lasting memory where quality reigns supreme.
“Fine dining is all about the experience”, Weigandt
“Without Argentina’s raw materials, this level of excellence wouldn’t be possible. It’s an entire chain of interconnected links that need to work together. For Azafrán’s menu, we source products from remote areas and use designer tableware, supported by a highly skilled and competent team of servers and chefs,” he says.
What’s the dining experience like at Azafrán? “You can choose between two menu options we like to describe as ‘journeys.’ First, there’s Paseo por Mendoza, a six-course tour through the province’s regions and producers. Then, there’s Paseo por Argentina, a ten-course adventure featuring national ingredients, flavors, and textures". Both options include wine pairings specially curated by sommelier Cami Torta.
Places to Visit in Mendoza, According to Chef Sebastián Weigandt
As a culinary reference and market enthusiast, Weigandt recommends visiting Mendoza’s Central Market, established in 1883 and located in the city center.
Among its standout products are carob, tomatoes, trout, and goat. However, the wide array of ingredients constantly challenges and fascinates him. Weigandt is drawn to innovative recipes and cutting-edge techniques. “The wine industry has boosted Mendoza’s restaurant offerings and gastronomic capacity. Tourists are captivated not only by the geography but also by the opportunity to visit wineries and dine at incredible places,” he says.