Fran Martínez
Professional jury
Born in Elche de la Sierra, Albacete, he moved to Barcelona at just 15 years old to study cooking in Santa Coloma de Gramanet. His internship took place at the Mas Pau restaurant in Figueres. He remained there as the chef's sous chef for nine years. During his vacations, he continued his training at restaurants such as Martín Berasategui. Francisco and his wife Cristina Díaz decided to fly to Castilla La Mancha, to Almansa, and create their own restaurant project, "Maralba," (in 2003), a commitment to La Mancha cuisine. Little by little and with determination, he has managed to place Maralba in the best gastronomic guides in Spain, earning them very high ratings, and winning several gastronomic awards for best restaurant and chef in Castilla la Mancha. It currently holds two Michelin stars.