Restaurateur and cultural patron Luis Aguado has died a little over a month and a half ago in Spain, ending decades of work across Madrid and Santander.
Aguado was the son of Maria Teresa Aguado, widely known as Mayte, who modernized Spain's hospitality industry before her death in 1990. Alongside his wife Gema, Aguado spent decades expanding his mother's culinary empire and maintaining her cultural foundation.
Mayte built her initial reputation in Madrid, launching Hostal Mayte near Plaza de El Peru before opening her flagship restaurant, Mayte, in the Commodore building at Plaza de la Republica Argentina. Known for simple and flavorful recipes served in an elegant environment, the restaurant became a landmark during late Francoism and Spain's transition to democracy.
She also created the Mayte Awards to honor achievements in culture, particularly in theatre and bullfighting. Following Mayte's death at a young age in 1990, Aguado and Gema took over the business. They maintained the core restaurant, operated the Mayte Awards Foundation, and opened La Atalaya, a cafeteria and restaurant situated in the lower level of the Maravillas building adjacent to Mayte.
Relocation to Santander and literary awards
In 2010, Aguado and Gema retired from Madrid life to return to Mayte's home region of Santander, a coastal port city in northern Spain. After an initial period of rest, the couple and their daughters established La Atalaya de Mayte opposite El Sardinero beach, offering classic dishes from Mayte's original repertoire.
The family also expanded the cultural foundation by introducing the Mayte Novel Prize, an award scheduled to be decided in the near future. Writer Jose Maria Rotellar noted that Aguado was an untiring worker who remained active in his career until his death.
Personal ties to Cantabria
Rotellar recalled conversations with Aguado, noting that the restaurateur told him several months ago about a trip to Madrid. Aguado said that although he was a native of Madrid, he felt out of his element whenever he was away from Santander.
Aguado also told Rotellar in an earlier conversation that he enjoyed taking walks along El Sardinero beach in October because the walks made him feel rejuvenated as the youngest among the local walkers.
Rotellar wrote that Aguado's spirit and memory will endure over Santander through the restaurant and foundation, with his wife and daughters continuing his cultural patronage and awards program.
