Closing Night Highlights of Gastro Cinema Alicante
At the closing ceremony, wrapping up a week where Alicante’s gastronomy and cinema share the spotlight, the events culminate on September 13 with the presentation of several honors. The best short film award will be announced, alongside the Gastro Cinema award for culinary excellence and a solidarity prize recognizing collaborative spirit within the community.
The festival’s enduring host, a versatile artist, has been part of the Los Toreros Muertos troupe and has appeared on television shows such as Crystal Ball, Night Moves, and The Worst Show of the Week—each appearance contributing to a varied career. He has acted in numerous films, directed the movie Tuna and Chocolate, and appeared in TV series including Gym Tony and Central Hospital in 2004.
Twenty-Two Rice Dishes
Continuing the tradition from previous editions, the competition features 22 restaurants that join the Arroces de Cine concept, a new strand where each eatery offers a meat-based rice stew inspired by a film work. This culinary thread draws from cinema to influence the preparation and the ingredients used. Patrons can savor these rice dishes during Gastro Cinema week from September 13 to 18.
The roster of participating venues includes a variety of creative offerings. One restaurant presents a hooded pilaf with a smoky orange essence; another crafts a flavorful ocean-inspired dish; a third promises a surprising Fondillon Alicante paired with grab, pork, and diamonds. A classic collection from a Hilton-managed venue showcases a sea-forward menu, while a gastrobar and several other eateries offer deep-sea flavor profiles, with one venue featuring a pork dish that nods to Porco Rosso.
Additional experiences include New Manolin and La Grande Bouffe, both offering unique rice interpretations. A bar of thirty serves refreshing octopus, and Portobello presents The Silence of the Lambs-inspired rice. The Silence of the Lambs reference continues with a lamb-focused rice at a different location, while a home-inspired dish appears as a comforting counterpoint to the more adventurous plates.
Nou Manolin presents its signature rice as part of the information panel for attendees, highlighting the event’s culinary focus and the way each dish ties into cinema-inspired storytelling.
Other participating venues include restaurants such as Erreta with Water Man, Riquelme House with a stormy note, and Cesar Anca’s sticky rice that evokes a maritime heart. The Raco del Plahis delivers a classic take on Great Turin influences, while La ia ia offers a gift-filled life through its rice creations. Sorell delves deep into oceanic flavors, and The Little Mermaid unveils a sensory seafood narrative. The Titanic-inspired menu, Trasluz Melia Alicante, and Blue Sea in Tabarca surprise guests with Moby Dick and Pirates of the Caribbean themes. Inside Snob, a pulp Fiction-inspired rice is on offer, while Mauro serves raw rice combinations and Bigoli presents a burrata-centered secret. These dishes collectively showcase the way cinema motifs can shape regional dining in engaging and delicious ways.
Movie Cocktails
Movie-inspired cocktails are a staple of this edition. The rooftop of the Cupola Hotel hosts an outdoor cinema where guests enjoy tailored cocktails themed after classic films such as Dad, A Clockwork Orange, and 007 with a modern twist. The Gomiz Kiosk adds a playful note with a sweet life-inspired offering, and the MY Bar debuts a strawberry-forward creation. The Cannibal Lounge Bar and Hanami in the World Tour in 80 Days narrative contribute additional adventurous mixes.
All information about the rice dishes and movie cocktails is available through Gastro Cinema’s official portal, which guests can consult for schedules and menus. Citations for the festival’s program are provided by the event organizers (Gastro Cinema official site).