IN a year when the climate of Abergavenny has, for once, owed more to Catalonia than to Caledonia, it is reassuring to know that a Food Festival favourite will be adding his inimitable flavour to the event.

Jose Pizarro has become a stalwart of Abergavenny’s epicurean celebration, appearing throughout the event’s twenty-year history; and at a special evening in the Borough Theatre he will kick off the weekend with a look back at some of his personal highlights.

José will be sharing memories, tips and insider information gleaned over many years at the festival, while presiding over the explosion of British love for Spanish food. There will also be a chance taste some delicious Spanish food during the course of the evening.

José, has lived in the UK for eighteen years. In that time, he has worked at some of London’s most prestigious Spanish restaurants including Eyre Brothers, Brindisa and Gaudi.

In 2011 José opened his first solo venture, José Tapas Bar on Bermondsey Street, and has since gone on to open two further restaurants, Pizarro, just a few yards from José Tapas, and José Pizarro at Broadgate Circle.

The Chronicle caught up with Jose as he prepared for a busy weekend and asked him if the British love of Spanish food had gone beyond merely dining but now involved cooking as well.

‘Yes indeed, I think at first people loved the food but didn’t know a lot about the ingredients. They discovered Spanish food is humble and down-to-earth. Now people know a lot more about the preparation and are discovering it for themselves.

Jose was a recently a judge in the Abergavenny Rotary Club’s Young Chef competition ands was full of praise for the way in which the next generation have embraced cooking - but had a warning for would-be chefs.

‘Being a chef is now a popular career choice but maybe there are those who think it is all about appearing on TV, writing books and being interviewed; but it is very hard work. It can be physically demanding and very stressful but it is also the most amazing career.’

In Spain, dinner is usually served between 9 and 11 pm, sometimes as late as midnight. Jose is doubtful that a similar pattern will ever evolve in Wales. ‘It is the tradition to eat late in Spain. Over here in a restaurant, when everyone else is leaving, that’s when the Spanish turn up.’

Having missed last year’s Festival due to other commitments, Jose is eager to get back to Abergavenny this time around and renew old acquaintances.

‘It will be great to get back to Abergavenny and say hello to everyone I know again. We are hoping for a good turn out at the Borough Theatre and a great Festival for everyone.’

José Pizarro will be talking to food writer, Tony Gallagher about his life in food at the Borough Theatre, Abergavenny at 7.30pm on Friday, September 14. Tickets are £16.50 and can be obtained from www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com/buy-tickets.