U.S. Beef Shines at ‘Soul Food Nights’ Charity Event in Madrid

(from left to right) USMEF Marketing Representative Felipe Macías, Carolina Adriana Herrera, U.S. Ambassador to Spain James Costos, Chef Byron Hogan and USMEF Regional Director John Brook

U.S. beef was featured prominently at a recent fundraising event in Madrid, gaining valuable exposure with Spanish restaurateurs and retailers, as well as excellent coverage in the local media. Participation by USMEF-Europe was made possible through support from the Beef Checkoff Program and the Texas Beef Council.

Spearheaded by leading restaurant and fashion industry executives, “Madrid Soul Food Nights” was organized to raise relief funds for children displaced by the violent conflict in Syria. Fifteen of Madrid’s best-known chefs offered special menus for fine-dining events held at luxury fashion stores throughout the city, with U.S. beef featured at 12 of the 15 venues.

The dinner held at the flagship store of Carolina Herrera was prepared by Byron Hogan, chef at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid. Special guests included U.S. Ambassador to Spain James Costos and actress Carolina Adriana Herrera, daughter of the fashion designer for whom the store and clothing line are named.

The purchasing manager for one of Europe’s leading supermarket chains was also a special guest at the dinner. He was extremely impressed with the quality of the U.S. beef served at the event, and is now planning a July 4 launch of U.S. beef sales at the company’s main stores in Spain.