Sala Group’s Head Chef David Canas on Creating Specials Designed for Sharing
Cooking is more than just a profession for me – it’s a way of life. At Sala Group, I have the privilege of combining my love for traditional cuisine with the modern techniques that elevate every dish to something truly special.
Our latest chef’s specials were designed with one goal in mind: to create dishes for sharing, where flavour, quality, and experience come together. These dishes celebrate great culinary traditions, while still allowing room for a touch of creativity and innovation.
Bringing New Ideas to the Table
A big part of my inspiration comes from Ian Radford, Chairman of Sala Group, whose passion for hospitality and fresh ideas constantly push us forward. His vision challenges me to think beyond the ordinary, and my role as Executive Head Chef is to take these ideas and transform them into unforgettable dishes that showcase the finest ingredients and cooking techniques.
One of the most exciting additions to our menu is our Spider Crab dish, a classic Basque-inspired recipe that brings out the very best of this exquisite seafood.The original recipe was created by the renowned chef Félix Ibarguren, featuring fresh spider crab, concassé tomato, leek, brandy, breadcrumbs, butter, olive oil, and salt. We respect the original culinary tradition while adding our signature touch, ensuring a flavour-packed dish that keeps diners coming back for more.
Due to its exceptional quality and fresh availability, our Spider Crab special is served daily for 50€ for two to share, subject to availability. This dish is a true celebration of fine seafood, designed for those who appreciate bold yet delicate flavours in a shared dining experience.
Another standout dish is our Suckling Shoulder of Lamb, a dish that demands patience, precision, and the finest ingredients. Slow-cooked to perfection, it is tender, full of flavour, and presented as a true centrepiece for sharing. Served with roast potatoes and a baby gem salad, this dish is designed for two people to enjoy for just 80€.
The Response So Far? Outstanding.
Our guests have been incredibly receptive to these new additions. There’s no better feeling than seeing diners return, eager to relive an experience they truly enjoyed. It tells me we’re doing something right – staying true to our roots while continuing to evolve.
To complement these dishes, our sommeliers carefully curate the best wine pairings. Personally, I would suggest a crisp Albariño to accompany the spider crab, and for the lamb, a bold red wine made from Tempranillo, Garnacha, or Mencía grapes – wines that enhance the dish’s depth and character.
Balancing Tradition with Innovation
For me, cooking is all about balance. Haute cuisine today is built on the foundations of classic recipes, and I’m fortunate to have worked with both traditional and modern techniques throughout my career. That experience allows me to create dishes that blend both worlds seamlessly, bringing out the best of each ingredient.
If I were to design another dish specifically for sharing between two, it would undoubtedly be wild-caught fish, prepared in the simplest and most elegant ways – baked in salt, roasted, or grilled. With seafood, freshness is everything, and when prepared with skill, it becomes an unforgettable dining experience.
Join Me at Sala Group for a Culinary Experience Like No Other
At Sala Group, we are committed to excellence, and I take great pride in leading a kitchen where every dish is crafted with passion, precision, and respect for tradition. I am incredibly fortunate to work alongside Ian Radford, whose dedication to the Sala Group brand and vision for the future make this an exciting place to create and innovate.
These chef’s specials are just the beginning – there’s always something new on the horizon. I invite you to join us and experience these dishes for yourself. After all, food isn’t just about nourishment – it’s about sharing, discovery, and the joy of a truly great meal.
To book your table at the ultimate social and dining experience in Marbella contact La Sala at: reservations@lasalabanus.com or call 952 814 145
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