To reach and popularize haute cuisine with the public, the Corner of Stars and Suns will be showcased at Alicante Gastronómica 2022. This space gathers some of the province’s most celebrated chefs where attendees can sample tapas that reflect refined techniques. The event runs at IFA from September 23 to 26.
Corner of Stars and Suns is a meeting space for the public with renowned haute cuisine figures. It is located in the restaurant area of the second pavilion at IFA. Among the featured chefs are Susan Diaz of La Finca in Elche, a one star and two soles; Christina Figueira of El Xato in La Nucia, one star and one sun; Ferdinand Bernardi of Casa Bernardi in Benissa, a Michelin and Repsol award winner; Nou Manolin in Alicante, Michelin recommended with two soles; Tipsy in Alicante, Michelin recommended with one left; Joseph Palomares of El Xiri in Monovar, noted for Best Tapas in the Valencian Community 2021; Manero Bar, Michelin recommended and Solete Repsol; Gourmet Tavern in Alicante, Michelin recommended and one Sol Repsol; Odon Martinez of El Granaíno in Elche, one Sun Repsol; Sergio Giraldo of Decoy in Valencia, Michelin and Repsol award winner; and Fourty with Mauro, Petimetre, Pepito Brillo and DGURU Catering. Also presenting MEG (Woman in Gastronomy) and Salty Marine Soul. Estrella Levante and Coca Cola will similarly participate in this area.
Gema Amor, director of Alicante Gastronómica, remarked that after the great success of the previous edition, the Corner of Stars and Suns becomes a key reference for all visitors, highlighting its role as a hallmark of the region’s gastronomy.
She added that this unique space has grown into Spain’s largest experiential fair, marrying the spirit of haute cuisine with popular wisdom, experience, and Spanish culinary tradition.
Woman in Gastro Cinema
Gastro Cinema presents a film and gastronomy competition running parallel with Alicante Gastronómica from September 23 to 30. A series of activities is scheduled, with the female lead highlighted on Wednesday, September 28. Kinepolis cinemas at Plaza Mar 2 Shopping Center will host a session at 19:00 featuring Vademecum of Alicante cuisine by Ángeles Ruiz, a journalist and food writer. The work captures traditional dishes gathered from restaurants and homes over more than thirty years, showing how grandmothers, farmers, and fishermen maximize the seasonality of local products. Admission is free.
Also at 19:30, there will be a free admission roundtable on women in haute cuisine, featuring Maria José San Román, a chef and businesswoman; Joan Jordan of Gasterra, director of the Mediterranean Gastronomy Center; Tony Perez, a chef and sommelier; and Ángeles Ruiz. The session will be moderated by Silvia Soriano, a journalist and communications specialist in gastronomy.
The discussion will examine how kitchens and culinary schools are full of women, while women frequently remain underrepresented among the awards for Spain’s best restaurants. The panel will explore barriers to greater female involvement in haute cuisine and discuss the emergence of associations such as Women in Gastronomy. The day will conclude with a screening of a documentary, Sustainable Self, about María José San Román, a leading chef and entrepreneur from Alicante who champions the Mediterranean diet and sustainable gastronomy. The film, directed by Manuel Sánchez and Vicente Seva, was selected for the Malaga Film Festival. Tickets are priced at 5 euros.