With the 2010 World Expo, Shanghai denizens have had the chance to take a little bite out of cultures around the world without leaving the shores of the beloved Huangpu River. While Expo-goers can pavilion hop to taste test the culinary traditions of nations from Turkey to Japan, Spain has brought in the big guns with a chef line-up that totals over 49 Michelin Stars. As if sheer star power wasn’t enough, they also staged a World Cup themed competition. Pitting country against country in a test of cooking prowess, this multi-course challenge on 21 June demonstrated the culinary heritage of two of Europe’s tastiest cuisines: Italy and Spain.  
 
The participants of the Gastronomic World Cup were allowed the full facilities at Acqua Restaurant at Gran Meliá Shangahi hotel. Cooking for the Italian nation was Carlo Cracco of Cracco Restaurant in Milan, while Spain’s kitchen was helmed by Marcos Morán of Casa Garardo in Asturias. Two top tier chefs from world-famous for a clash of the taste titans. 
 
In attendance were various members of the Spanish department of tourism and the Italian consulate who got the chance to judge the competitor’s dishes for themselves. For the first course, Marcos Morán mixed up a bangin' appletini, while Cracco responded with a delicate pesto cocktail with pine nuts. For the main course, the Spaniard dished out an Asturian cheese sandwich while the Italian tossed together a caprese salad with tomato pulp, basil, and mozzarella. The final score was 1:1, a commendable draw. The match was topped off with a delectable jersey exchange. 
 
As far as Shanghai’s dining events, this was a feast. By featuring two chefs from outside the mainland, Spain once again demonstrated how the Expo gives everyone a chance of to taste cultures from afar. Get excited for the next bout featuring culinary heavyweights Josechu Gorella from Spain’s Aragón region and Frank Camorra from Australia.