Arzak was born in Donostia (San Sebastian) and, since 1970, has worked to convert his restaurant into one of the foremost names in world gastronomy. He is one of the undisputed leaders of New Basque Cuisine, a movement which was the basis of the Spanish culinary revival. His restaurant has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide since 1989. Arzak is considered to be one of the most influential chefs in the world today. Among his many awards are: Premio Nacional de Gastronomía, 1985; European Academy of Gastronomy’s Best European Chef, Gentleman of the French Order of Arts and Letters (2005) and Special Gastronomy Prize, Austria (2008).