Inspired by modern Michelin dining and local produce, Modesto is bringing his unique style of cooking from Valentia into the Finnieston-based restaurant.
He will team up with Rioja's head chef, Luis Urrutiabeaskoa, to curate an mouth-watering eight-course tasting menu.
Iberian specialty dishes, supplied
From the Scottish Highlands to the Galician sea, the two kitchen maestros who both trained in Basque Country in Spain - arguably the foodie capital of the world - have taken inspiration from their surroundings and once again created dishes that reflect the best of Scottish and Iberian produce.
Rioja, based on Argyle Street in trendy Finnieston, is known for unexpected flavour combinations, found within their monthly market menu, and this exclusive event is sure to delight foodies in the city.
Guests will enjoy eight courses created in collaboration with the aim to showcase and capture Spanish culture and modern Michelin dining into dishes for you to indulge.
The evening begins with a nod to both chef's cooking roots, through not one but two amouse bouche.
Picture: the Boudoir cocktail, supplied
Modesto chooses a Galician octopus carpaccio while Luis creates a bold colourful interpretation of the Rioja Boudoir cocktail – a strawberry infused delightful dish with air cured Leones beef.
Moving on the gorgeous greenery of the west coast, there's a showstopping beetroot cappuccino with truffle infused organic yolk alongside west coast langoustines.
Speciality Iberian produce features heavily on the menu with seasonal foraged mushrooms, suckling pig, Galician blond pig cheek and red tuna tartare.
Picture: the tasting menu, supplied
Speaking of the Michelin takeover, Eduardo Fernandez Blanco, operations manager of Rioja and the Rotunda Restaurant Group said: “Pushing boundaries in flavour is what our chefs set out to do every day.
"They’re inspired by their surroundings and their Spanish heritage. In Rioja and in Spain, food is a way of life. It’s in our blood.
"We always try to reflect our culture and passion in our dishes and we’ve worked hard to create an exclusive menu for Glasgow to enjoy."
Speaking about the menu, Toni Carbajosa, co-founder of The Rotunda Restaurant Group continues: “Our team is passionate about flavour. We’re passionate about produce. And we’re passionate about creating unforgettable food experiences.
"With the return of Modesto to the Rioja kitchen we are once again looking forward to transporting our guests to the beautiful corners of Scotland and Spain through extraordinary flavours and exciting dishes.
“If you joined us last year, you’ll know how special this exclusive pop event was.
"Don’t miss out, join us for a dance through Iberian autumn and intoxicating seasonal flavours inspired by modern Michelin dining.”
Picture: the tasting menu launches next week, supplied
The eight-course tasting menu is priced at £65 per person and is available from Sunday, 22nd October until Wednesday, 25th October, evenings only.
Matched wines are available and for more information please click here.
Reservations can also be made by emailing manager@riojafinnieston.co.uk or calling 0141 334 0761
