The passion and coherence of Fermí Puig
Fermí Puig has proven to be in the right place at the right time at every stage of his life. With the passion and coherence that characterised him, he has left an indelible mark on all the projects he has been involved in. His love for cooking and gastronomy, especially that of his region, is as deep as his convictions about Catalonia and FC Barcelona. In these aspects, his loyalty has always been firm and unwavering.
Beginning of a career full of successes
Fermí Puig’s career gained momentum when he introduced his military service colleague, Ferran Adrià, to El Bulli. It was a key move that, years later, helped consolidate the collaboration between Adrià and Juli Soler. This ability to train and advise young teams earned him the respectful nickname of ‘godfather’ in the Catalan culinary field.
Drolma and the rise in haute cuisine
At the Majestic Hotel, Fermí took charge of the Drolma restaurant, which became an icon of haute cuisine in Barcelona. This role allowed his name to be synonymous with culinary excellence. His vision of Catalan cuisine, with a focus on respect for the product and tradition, marked a before and after in the country’s gastronomy.
A personal project: Fermí Puig Restaurant
Years later, together with Alfred Romagosa, Fermí opened a restaurant bearing his name on Calle Balmes. This place became the culmination of his career: a different but honest proposal based on Catalan cuisine. He respected tradition and offered fair prices, something that resonated deeply with diners. For Fermí, Catalan cuisine was a representation of the landscape on the plate, and his gastronomic formula was a success.
The influence of Johan Cruyff on his life
Fermí was an unconditional admirer of Johan Cruyff. He considered that Cruyff’s legacy had pointed the way for Barça and its style of play. This appreciation for Cruyff led him to establish a close relationship with figures such as Pep Guardiola and Joan Laporta. In the restaurant, there was a booth called ‘Les Corts’, a sanctuary for Barça fans, where memorable moments and objects related to the team were shared.
A corner full of history
This space, decorated with a railing from the old Les Corts field and a photograph of the presidents Lluís Companys and Josep Sunyol, received numerous gifts related to Barça. The corner was inaugurated with a meal between Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola, immortalized in a photograph that became a symbol of respect and devotion for the club’s followers.
A man of vast culture and curiosity
Fermí was an immensely cultured and curious person. Receiving a book as a gift from him meant facing a selective and reflective process, since Fermí expected a detailed justification of the choice. He was able to connect different areas of knowledge and experiences in ways that enriched any conversation. His ability to tell stories and explain details of dishes turned many after-dinner meals into unique and unforgettable moments.
Memorable encounters in Llafranc
The summer meetings in Llafranc with his family and his friend, the notary Pineda, were legendary. In these meetings, the most genuine Fermí manifested itself, where conversations flowed between various topics and he enjoyed his vast knowledge and passion for life.
A legacy in gastronomy and public life
Fermí had an outstanding ability to communicate and always sought to participate in public debate, reaffirming his commitment to dignifying work in the kitchen. Every Friday on Rac1, he collaborated with his great friend Jordi Basté, where he broke down recipes in a simple and accessible way. Fermí also wrote clearly and precisely, although unfortunately not as frequently as his admirers would have liked.
Gatherings and friendship
Sharing space on the program ‘Tú dice’ with Basté, Carlos Pérez de Rozas and Sergi Pàmies was a period of joy for Fermí. His ability to forge friendships in all areas of his life, from football to journalism, consolidated his figure in the social sphere.
An indelible memory
Fermí Puig’s absence will be deeply felt. His legacy in gastronomy and in public life has been immortalized through his passion, knowledge and dedication. The cuisine and the memories of his conversations will live on in all those who had the privilege of knowing him and learning from him.
