Almost 150 chefs from across Spain are set to attend the Suns of the Repsol Guide gala in Alicante, a major moment for Spanish gastronomy. The event is scheduled for February 27 at the Auditorio de la Diputación de Alicante and marks a milestone achieved through the collaboration of the Generalitat Valenciana, the Provincial Council, and the Alicante City Council, a partnership that has driven substantial progress over the years, moving influence from the Basque Country to the east.
The cooperation agreement among the three institutions and the Repsol Guide was unveiled yesterday atop Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante, a location that will host a string of culinary-related activities during the period.
Valencia region hosts 54 restaurants offering a total of 81 variations among them — four varieties for some, 19 for others, with 31 represented by single establishments. Of these, 26 are in the province and seven in the city of Alicante. This balance underscores what many describe as a gastronomic revolution in the community and in Alicante, especially in Marina Alta, according to María Ritter, director of the Repsol Guide.
Speakers announced that the invitation to participate came with enthusiasm. The reception highlighted how the city has built a strong quality tourism model, supported by numerous ambassadors of cuisine, solid infrastructure, and institutional backing.
A key aim is to engage the wider community so the gala becomes a shared celebration of achievement, inviting broad civic participation and visibility for local talent.
The Regional Tourism Secretary Francesc Colomer praised Alicante as a premier venue for recognizing culinary talent, stressing that the event reflects the city and province as they pursue a national and international profile for gastronomy. He noted the importance of supporting a destination where gastronomy is a core aspect of the travel experience.
Colomer also described the gala as a motivate force for young talents, emphasizing a commitment to educating and investing in gastronomy as a strong career track for the future. He added that the celebration is hard earned and that the hard work continues well after the party ends, reinforcing the goal of positioning Alicante as a premier destination for gastronomic tourism.
As the Diputación de Alicante president, Carlos Mazón spoke about the capacity to reinvent and elevate the region’s cuisine. He highlighted the growing appeal of the local food scene and the increasing confidence among professionals and business owners, noting that innovation and quality are drawing national attention to the province.
The mayor of Alicante, Louis Barcala, called the gala a recognition of the work done by local hospitality professionals. He described the event as a catalyst for ongoing efforts to maintain high standards in product quality, service, and professionalism. Barcala also pointed to Alicante Gastronómica as a forthcoming milestone and to the city’s role in hosting a major international benchmarking event that advances Alicante as a premier gastronomic hub.
Deputy Mayor and head of the Alicante City and Beach Tourism Board, Mari Carmen Sanchez, framed Alicante’s culinary richness as a cornerstone of the city’s tourism strategy, particularly highlighting rice dishes. She noted that hosting the Repsol Suns gala affirms the local industry’s significant contributions and brings a world-class dimension to the city’s culinary scene.
a national power
The attending chefs celebrated the opportunity to raise Alicante’s profile on the national stage. Kiko Moya, representing L Escaleta in Cocentaina, remarked that the gala demonstrates the importance of local gastronomy and Alicante’s growing influence. He described the moment as a milestone won by professionals across the region and encouraged belief in the region’s rising status as a gastronomic force.
María José San Román of Monastrell, championing sustainable cooking, called the news a dream realized. She recalled attending earlier galas in other regions and welcomed the idea of hosting the event in Alicante, praising it as an excellent and credible guide that embraces a fresh, ambitious philosophy.
San Román added that there is hope for more recognition for women in the industry, noting that gender balance should reflect the workforce. She expressed optimism about the future and the continued influence of the guide’s work, which appears to have a lasting impact on how Alicante is viewed by critics and enthusiasts alike.
A chef at heart, San Román described herself as naturally optimistic, aiming for continued improvement and hoping for more opportunities to showcase the region’s talent. She believes the guide’s ongoing efforts reflect the long-standing dedication of local cooks and restaurateurs who have worked to raise the standard year after year.