Genesis, the series about El Bulli that Ferran Adrià has watched 40 times

Ferran Adrià claims that Gènesi is "the best gastronomy series ever made." The series, a collaboration between TV3 and Netflix, tells the story of the restaurant in Cala Montjoi. After the premiere, the chef called for a renewed appreciation of what he believes has been achieved in Spain: "We have to celebrate what has been done here, and if we don't say that we have the best cuisine in the world, how are we going to attract attention?"

The premiere was held at the Culinary Cinema of the San Sebastián Film Festival, and was attended by a large part of the Catalan gastronomy community. Many had worked in the kitchen of El Bulli, so the story resonates with them, and some appear as characters in the series.

The director, David Pujol, had already made an extensive documentary about El Bulli. The first episode chronicles Adrià's arrival at the restaurant and the loss of its second star. The cinematography, sound, and production design complement a plot that, at least in this first episode, moves at a good pace, although there are soap opera clichés and a subplot that borders on melodrama.

According to the review, Miquel Fernández's performance as Adrià is the series' greatest strength. Adrià, amidst laughter from the audience, recalled how he's watched it: "I've watched it 40 times at home, and the first time my wife was nearby and thought it was me speaking." Those who have seen the entire series say it doesn't shy away from the less pleasant aspects of the story.

Ivan Massagué plays Juli Soler. Those who knew Soler personally say the series fails to capture his essence, although the performance is powerful. Adrià noted that the Soler and Santamaria families have given their approval to the script. The confrontation with Santi Santamaria promises to be one of the most interesting episodes. "Illusion, passion, and obsession," Juli told a newly arrived and somewhat bewildered Ferran.

One of the most striking moments was when Adrià asked about the salary upon arriving at El Bulli, an issue that the gastronomic revolution took years to include among its priorities: work, salary and working conditions.

In the subsequent discussion, Adrià encouraged comparisons between the series and other productions: "Put it next to The Bear or Chef's Table, compare them." He noted that some of the recipes featured in The Bear were created at El Bulli. Presenting data on the economic impact of the food sector and the global reach Netflix could have, he made it clear that the issue transcends the kitchen: "The series is very good, but this is a national issue."

"El Bulli is just one part; none of this would have been possible without the great family of the country's gastronomy," Adrià explained, referring to the Catalan chefs.