An x-ray of the region’s culinary essence. The Casa Vicenica restaurant in Cocentaina was the perfect setting yesterday for the second day of “Menjars de la Terra”, which this week continues its gastronomic journey through the regions of l’Alcoià, El Comtat and La Foia de Castalla. An irresistible offer: a feast of authentic and traditional flavors that does not disappoint customers who come to enjoy the menu.
From the first moment, the restaurant’s offer is marked by a careful selection of starters to share, each representing the essence of the local cuisine. With its freshness and mayonnaise flavor, the chef’s salad served as the perfect introduction to the experience to come.
Delicacies such as Muro pericana, homemade Vicenica style meatballs, garlic mushrooms in olive oil, sautéed artichoke flowers, free-range eggs and crispy ham shavings whetted the appetite of the participants.
Casa Vicenica takes customers on a culinary journey that evokes the tradition and passion for good food, demonstrating its ability to combine the most authentic flavors of the region with each dish. Blood sausage with caramelized onions, baked river potatoes with aioli sauce and La Vera red peppers, and quail’s nest (a reinterpretation of the regional “Abyssinian”) were just a few of the most palatable delicacies. . The most important meal of the day was the main course: baked rice, a faithful representative of the mountains of Alicante that fascinated everyone present.
As restaurant manager Oscar Prats emphasized during the day, “The essence of Casa Vicenica lies in the tapas that reflect the culinary identity of our region and the essence of the cuisine of yesteryear.” Prats explained how they modernized traditional recipes, such as the above-mentioned “Abyssinians” (boiled eggs), with a fresh and innovative approach.
The executive also wanted to emphasize the importance of centralizing attention to gastronomy in the state’s interior, a region rich in culinary traditions that are often overlooked compared to the flavors of the coast. “We greatly appreciate this INFORMATION initiative and the Provincial Council of Alicante, which allows us to highlight our 100% local preparations and products.”
Among these, “traditional spirits such as Café Licor, Cerol, Café Sancho or Feta, as well as other typical drinks such as Cazalla or Herbero de la Montaña” stand out. And of course, the final touch that closes the evening with a sweet and comforting touch is the Alicante Mountain Cherry, to which Casa Vicenica wants to dedicate the mousse of this delicious fruit and the Marcos Tonda chocolate dessert.
Cocentaina Mayor Jordi Pla, who did not want to miss the event, expressed his excitement and support for the “Menjars de la Terra” events as follows: “This initiative is more than a culinary celebration; “This is an opportunity to highlight the gastronomic diversity of the province of Alicante, to highlight kilometer-free products from each region and to provide support to local ranchers, farmers and hoteliers who offer the highest quality products.”
He also took the opportunity to explain the origin of the major Coffee Liqueur preparations in the region; The main ingredient of typical drinks of these regions, which adopt a characteristic name depending on the mixture: cola soft drink (“plis-play”), lemon slushie (“mentira”)… “pericana” or “tostons”, closely connected with the Moors and Christian festivals in Cocentaina The region where preparations such as ” are made.
“We invite everyone to discover our historical and architectural heritage, which includes the Cocentaina Castle and other accessible monuments, as well as a strong gastronomic scene ranging from authentic bars to Michelin-starred restaurants,” the mayor said.
A tour not to be missed
The aim of “Menjars de la Terra”, an initiative supported by INFORMACIÓN with the support of the Provincial Council of Alicante, is to celebrate the flavors and culinary originality of the region with a tour throughout the province. This week the regions of l’Alcoià, El Comtat and Foia de Castalla became the epicenter of this event, featuring Alicante Mountain Cherry and traditional Spirits as protagonists: two gastronomic jewels of the region.
So, after the success of the opening day of “La Gruta de Víctor” in Alcoy last Monday and yesterday’s exquisite menu of Casa Vicenica in Cocentaina, today the head of the kitchen has taken over the Casa Paqui restaurant in Castalla. tomorrow, Thursday, at Pirámide Restaurant in Banyeres de Mariola.
Menus designed specifically for this event pay tribute to the culinary treasures that make us proud. From traditional dishes to innovative creations, every bite is a tribute to the passion and creativity of our local chefs. And all this for a price of 42 euros including drinks. To participate as a diner, all you have to do is make a reservation at the restaurant of your choice and immerse yourself in this unique gastronomic experience. Entertainment.
Source: Informacion

Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.