What happens when a pastry chef enters the savory kitchen?

July 30, 2025

At this point, it might seem like haute cuisine has broken all boundaries and that it’s no longer possible to surprise anyone. However, Donaire shows that there are still ways to innovate that can capture diners’ attention. Located in the south of Tenerife, Donaire has chosen to explore a rarely traveled path: using the technical and conceptual universe of pastry as a creative engine for the development of savory cuisine. The result? Dishes that combine precision, depth, and a very clear philosophy: technique is always at the service of flavor.

When craquelin and praliné are no longer “just” desserts

One of the most striking examples of this approach is our “choux,” a dish that combines mojo rojo (highlighting that unmistakable Canarian touch) with a peanut praliné. The craquelin, traditionally reserved for pastry, is used in this savory dish to provide a crunchy texture.

At Donaire, we’re not trying to disguise sweet as savory. Instead, we apply pastry processes—such as fermentation, emulsions, or glazing—to the development of main dishes. The result is an experience that intrigues and opens up new paths of enjoyment.

From the pastry display to the main course: a creative journey

The team at Donaire is young, energetic, curious, and—something we consider essential in fine dining—nonconformist. During our internal creative dynamics, like regular briefings or brainstorming sessions, it’s common for ideas to emerge that challenge established boundaries in gastronomy. Viennoiserie inspires shapes and textures, ice cream introduces temperatures and contrasts, and chocolate-making suggests tempering techniques or unexpected combinations.

This approach turns the kitchen into a fertile field of experimentation—yet always with a solid foundation. Everything is grounded here: from mastery of pastry techniques to in-depth knowledge of local products.

Technique at the service of flavor

Our daily mantra at Donaire is that technique is not the goal, but the means. In every dish, the objective is clear: to delight the guest and make them want to return. That the initial surprise doesn’t overshadow the depth of flavor, but rather works hand in hand with it. We believe this mindset is what makes the difference: it’s not just about doing something eye-catching, but about building a coherent gastronomic experience—from the moment the guest steps into the hotel lobby to the very last bite.

Living cuisine, restless minds

At Donaire, each dish begins in its first version and evolves over time. We are always seeking to innovate. That mindset of continuous improvement, that blend of technical rigor and creativity, is the real secret behind our cuisine. And that’s where pastry, understood as a disciplined craft, finds its place as the perfect laboratory for savory innovation.