gourmet
Grup Cacheiro Good Times
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or almost two decades now, Grup Cacheiro has treated us to many a good time in its restaurants. Quality, good atmosphere and exceptional treatment are just a few of the adjectives we could attach to each and every one of the businesses that comprise Cacheiro Restaurants: Benedictus, Piper’s, Divinus, El Gran Café, La Pulpería, La Tramoia, Telirium, Tenorio, Trobador and Le Chef Catering. We had a word with José Cacheiro, the company President, and spoke about these good times. How has the group changed over the years? The unit we consider the group has grown. We started in number 93, Passeig de Gràcia and have opened more and more establishments, adapting to the times.
· Spring 2010
Why the jump to Madrid? Because with 15 locations in Barcelona, it was the right time to jump to Madrid, because it’s a very important city, the capital, and we think that our concept will fit nicely there. In fact, we opened a Trobador a year ago, and it’s a roaring success. We want to keep expanding there.
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What changes from one city to another? Barcelona is a much different city than Madrid. It’s a city that has a great deal of tourism, very cosmopolitan. But Madrid, although it doesn’t have as many tourists, has a huge floating population. I don’t know, it’s different. Other mannerisms. But there isn’t such a huge difference between the two. Does Barcelona pose any industry defect? I think you have to look at Paris and Rome, cities which showcase lovely terraces; something that here in a Mediterranean city like Barcelona, with this weather, we don’t have. Your restaurants are frequented by a lot of famous people. Do they make reservations, or just show up? Tonnes of celebrities have come to our establishments, but they always make reservations, even if they usually come incognito. Any good stories? Well, when Clinton showed up the restaurant was heaving. The Tenorio has a very long entranceway, and then the dining hall is an open space. So, naturally, when they saw him everyone stood up and starting clapping. He walked from table to table greeting peo-
ple, even though his bodyguards weren’t too chuffed. He was smoking a cigar and everything. It was an incredible evening. Of all your restaurants, which is your favourite? They’re all my favourite. I go to Tenorio a lot. El Gran Café is a restaurant I just adore, but I like them all. The Divinos are very modern, up-to-date restaurants and I think they’re great. In the Trobadors, I love how the food is prepared, with natural charcoal grills, all the meats and fish turn out brilliantly. I prefer product-based cuisine, rather than elaborate cooking that looses its flavour; sometimes you don’t even know what you’re eating. Is there a Cacheiro common denominator? I think so, and the public recognises it. What is it? I couldn’t tell you. I think it’s the atmosphere. But it could be the quality or the price. The Cacheiro motto? Our motto is basically Bons moments, good times. Tell them to come to our restaurants for good times, a good meal and good atmosphere.