Talking chefs: Over Basque-style dinner, Elena and Thomas Zacharias exchange notes

Chef Thomas Zacharias has come long way in just four years. Back in 2013, he took a four-month-long food trip through Europe, discovering multiple cities and towns, one of which stood out in particular: San Sebastian. And 2017 saw it come full circle, as Zacharias returned to the resort town to share his food philosophy at the Gastronomika conference.

During his stay, Zacharias met a number of world famous chefs including Elena of Arzak, one of the world's 50 best restaurants. Zacharias says, "Chef Elena was intrigued by Indian food, so I thought it would be nice to give her some of the spices I'd brought from India.

What followed was an invitation into the Arzak kitchen and a traditional Basque dinner. We spent the next two hours discussing Spanish and Indian cuisine. It was unforgettable," he said.