BBVA Compass tour partner El Celler de Can Roca once again among world's best restaurants

HOUSTON, June 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- BBVA Compass culinary tour partner El Celler de Can Roca, which has landed in the top five on Restaurant magazine's coveted World's 50 Best Restaurants list since 2009, scooped the second position Monday night, and head chef Joan Roca was honored by his peers with the Chef's Choice Award.

The Roca brothers attended the gala Monday night in New York, where Restaurant unveiled the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. Italy's Osteria Francescana led the rankings this year, with New York's Eleven Madison Park, Peru's Central and Denmark's Noma rounding out the top five behind El Celler de Can Roca.

"Being chosen among the best for so many years motivates us to keep improving and innovating," said Joan Roca, the eldest of the trio of brothers that runs the restaurant in Girona, Spain. "The movement at the top of the ranking goes to show that these are great times for world cuisine."

The family-owned El Celler de Can Roca topped the rankings in 2013 and 2015. It muscled its way to the top of the high-end restaurant world through the Rocas' inventive techniques that honor tradition and push culinary boundaries. Their leadership is built on innovation, perseverance and passion.

The British magazine's annual event is considered one of the highest recognitions in the culinary world. The World's 50 Best Restaurants list is produced based on a poll of international chefs, restaurateurs, gourmands and restaurant critics. Each region has its own panel, consisting of 36 experts.

BBVA-El Celler de Can Roca Tour 2016

In late July, Joan, Josep and Jordi Roca and their entourage of 40 staff members from Girona will pack their suitcases and embark on their third consecutive annual tour around the globe sponsored by BBVA. This year, El Celler de Can Roca will be visiting London, Hong Kong, Phoenix, San Francisco and Santiago de Chile. In each city, BBVA customers and guests will be invited to enjoy a menu that pays homage to each country's culture and cuisine. Also, in each stop of the BBVA 2016 Tour, the Roca brothers will participate in a series of conferences and activities that food lovers will be able to enjoy.

As in previous editions of the tour, several students will be offered the opportunity to work and learn as part of the El Celler de Can Roca team. In each one of the cities visited, Joan, Josep and Jordi Roca will choose two students to complete a four-month training program in Girona.

Information, photos and videos related to the BBVA-El Celler de Can Roca Tour are available at http://bbva.info/descargasroca and at the following social media profiles:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CellerRocaBBVA
• Twitter: @CellerRocaBBVA
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/cellerrocabbva

Follow @BBVACompassNews on Twitter

About BBVA Group
BBVA Compass is a subsidiary of BBVA Compass Bancshares Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of BBVA BBVA BBVA. The BBVA Group is the largest financial institution in Spain and Mexico, has leading franchises in South America and the Sunbelt region of the United States and is also the leading shareholder in Garanti, Turkey's largest bank based on market capitalization. Its diversified business is focused on high-growth markets and it relies on technology as a key sustainable competitive advantage. Corporate responsibility is at the core of its business model. BBVA fosters financial education and inclusion, and supports scientific research and culture. It operates with the highest integrity, a long-term vision and applies best practices. The Group is present in the main sustainability indexes. More information about the BBVA Group can be found at bbva.com.

About BBVA Compass
BBVA Compass is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates 674 branches, including 345 in Texas, 89 in Alabama, 75 in Arizona, 62 in California, 45 in Florida, 38 in Colorado and 20 in New Mexico, and commercial and private client offices throughout the U.S. BBVA Compass ranks among the top 25 largest U.S. commercial banks based on deposit market share and ranks among the largest banks in Alabama (2nd), Texas (4th) and Arizona (4th). BBVA Compass recently earned top nods for best mobile app and best regional bank in the South & West in Money magazine's annual list of the Best Banks in America. Additional information about BBVA Compass can be found at bbvacompass.com, by following @BBVACompassNews on Twitter or visiting newsroom.bbvacompass.com. 

Editor's Note:
BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140825/139263

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bbva-compass-tour-partner-el-celler-de-can-roca-once-again-among-worlds-best-restaurants-300284706.html

SOURCE BBVA Compass