Agustin Balbi has been on an absolute tear over the past couple of years. The Chef-Owner of Andō’s, the innovative Spanish x Japanese restaurant that only opened in 2020, has already retained a Michelin star and the chef was given the second-highest Hong Kong ranking on the Best Chef Awards 2021. To cap what has been a whirlwind couple of years, the Argentinian-born food maestro has now been named an Ambassador of Marca Pais for his home country.
For the latest milestone in an extraordinary string of achievements, Chef Agustin Balbi has been awarded the Marca Pais, becoming an Ambassador of the Country Brand for the Government of Argentina. The prestigious award recognises Argentine individuals who stand out in their daily work and whose contribution to the Country’s Brand at a national and international level is significant or of a high impact.
As the first Argentinian chef to receive a Michelin star in Asia, Chef Agustin has been a trailblazer for other Argentines working within the hospitality industry. Chef Agustin joins a distinguished line of other Marca Pais awardees, two of which include Mora Godoy, known for her distinction in tango dance, and polo player Adolfo Cambiasso, who is currently ranked no.1 on the World Polo Tour.
In celebration of this award, a special dinner was held on the night of 28th April at Ando that was attended by the members of the Government of Argentina and guests of the restaurant. All revenue generated from the night was donated towards the family of Marcelo Troncoso (@troncoso__marcelo) & Jesi Pussetto (@jesica_pussetto), an Argentine family who resides in Hong Kong whose child is currently battling cancer.
“On this occasion, we are granting this award to Chef Agustín Balbi because we find in his work in the field of gastronomy a reflection of the persistent effort and the remarkable creativity that best characterise Argentinean society and culture. Agustin’s own personal and professional journey blends together and integrates a diversity of heterogeneous elements to compose a novel experience that is contained in every one of his creations.
Having worked diligently throughout these years to find a language that allowed him to share with others the many paths he has walked, the Government of Argentina is pleased to acknowledge Agustin’s innovative approach and distinguishes him as a Country Brand Ambassador.” said Maria Veronica Grygianiec, Deputy Consul of Government of Argentina.
About the Marca Pais Award
Since 2004, Argentina has upheld the tradition of “Marca Pais”, which constitutes a State policy that seeks to position the country at the international level through its differential factors such as tradition, culture, products and services, national talent, and tourist destinations. As part of the Marca Pais strategy, three types of representatives spread the values of the brand: Ambassadors, Argentines in the World, and Friends of Argentina.
The Marca Pais Ambassadors are individuals of the Argentine nationality whose contribution to the Country’s Brand at a national and international level is significant or of high impact.
Andō’s modern Spanish x Japanese tasting menus
Andō’s modern tasting menus are filled with complexity and multiplicity in meanings, one that nods at his ancestral Argentinian roots while gazing at the lands that shaped his craft – Japan. With no printed menus in the restaurant, guests leave the fate of their meal in the chef’s hands.
Every course is deeply storied and grounded in the memories of Chef Agustin’s unorthodox journey as a chef. Guests can also enjoy high-quality Argentine wines amid a warm and inviting atmosphere, characteristic of Argentinian culture and hospitality.
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