Opening Gala Sets the Stage for a Week of Cinema and Gastronomy in Alicante
Comedian, actor and host Paul Carbonell will lead the grand opening gala of the cinema and gastronomy competition. The event takes place this Friday, September 23, at 8:00 pm in the Teatro Principal of Alicante.
The gala launches a citywide program that fills Alicante with cinema and culinary delights for seven days. The evening will spotlight the best short film winner and pay tribute to chef Maria Carmen Velez with the Gastro Cinema Award. The celebration will be infused with the humor and warmth that Pablo Carbonell is known for.
This versatile artist has a long history in entertainment, having been part of memorable projects including the group Dead Bullfighters and appearances on television programs such as Crystal Ball on TVE, Night Moves, Worst Show of the Week, Buenafuente and Whoever Falls, among others.
Carbonell has also acted in multiple Spanish feature films and directed the film Tuna and Chocolate. His television work includes serials like Tony’s Gym and Central Hospital, and he has contributed to talent shows such as You Are Worth It.
Rice Dishes: A Culinary Spotlight at Gastro Cinema
During the gala, 22 restaurants will join the Gastro Cinema festival under the banner Cinema Brass. Each venue will present a signature hot rice dish inspired by a film title, using ingredients that evoke the cinematic work that inspired the recipe. These rice dishes will be available throughout the festival week from September 23 to 30 as Gastro Cinema unfolds across Alicante.
Among the participating restaurants, Monastrell’s rooftop will unveil an original brass dish titled Orange Clock. Most Restaurant will offer an Ocean Rise creation, while the kitchen at Snatch, Pigs and Diamonds will surprise guests with a fondant Alicante dessert. The Hilton Casa Medina Curio Collection will craft a sea inspired menu, and the gastro Mercat Square by El Corte Inglés will present a dish described as Living is Nice. Jorge’s Gastrobar will interpret a sea journey on a plate, and My Bar will present Porco Rosso as a tasting experience that celebrates culinary cinema.
Prominent Honor and Culinary Events
In addition to the culinary showcases, the festival includes a tribute to Mari Carmen Vélez as the Gastro Cinema Award recipient for 2022. The gala also features tastings and recommendations from participating restaurants, inviting guests to explore the pairing of cinema and cuisine through curated experiences. Nou Manolín will offer a notable trio of bites featuring octopus and Portobello with a nod to classic film moments, while diners will not want to miss the restaurant’s Wild Hogs dish, among others.
Other inventive offerings include Erreta with Aquaman inspiration and Alroce Restaurant with a Perfect Storm concept. A sticky rice option will also be introduced, and Cesar Anca’s proposal centers on the heart of the sea. Raco Del Pla will present the timeless Gran Torino, while K La Ia Ia envisions La Vida Padre with a marine depth theme inspired by Deep Blue. Sorell will craft a Little Mermaid tribute and Titanic inspired plates will appear at Transluz Melia Alicante. The Blue Sea Restaurant in Tabarca will reinterpret Moby Dick, and Pirates of the Caribbean will be invoked by General Store’s rice. Finally, Bigoli will reveal a Burrata’s Secret dessert experience for guests to enjoy.
Gastro Cinema operates in collaboration with Cultura Alicante, Alicante City Council, Mercicante, Alicante University, Aguas de Alicante, Estrella Galicia, Coca-Cola and a network of partner organizations that support film and gastronomy across the region.