Celebrating traditional flavours at Nou Cucuch restaurant in Novelda

At the stop in the heart of the Vinalopó Valley, participants had the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant holiday. A unique culinary experience based on the most authentic flavors of this region..

The spirit behind the event

The event was hosted by Juan Carlos Sánchez, manager of the Nou Cucuch restaurant. He was excited about the opportunity to participate in the event, saying: “It was a great pleasure to receive the call from Menjars de la Terra. Things like this encourage you to keep working hard. “It is always appreciated when the effort you put into your work is recognized.”

Sanchez, a tireless advocate of local cuisineHe has worked hard to preserve traditional Alicante recipes while adapting them to current tastes. The recognition his restaurant has received these days is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the region’s cuisine.

Nou Cucuch has stood out on the local gastronomy scene thanks to its focus. the use of local products and the promotion of dishes that reflect the essence of Alicante’s culinary traditionThe aim of this event was clear: to showcase the best of the gastronomic heritage of Medio Vinalopó and the province of Alicante.

The meal began with a series of starters designed to transport participants to the essence of Alicante gastronomy. The first bite is a Dried Pinoso sausage with village fishA simple but flavor-packed dish that highlights the sausage tradition from this area of ​​the interior of Alicante.

This was followed by Baked eggplant au gratinA healthy and delicious choice that highlights the use of extra virgin olive oil, typical of the Mediterranean diet.

The next starter was a variety of salted meats; mojama, tuna roe and bonito. These products are a symbol of Alicante cuisine and have been praised for their quality. The salted fish added a touch of the sea that contrasted perfectly with the earthy flavours of the menu.

Finally, those who ate had fun Tasting gachamiga with Bagged Table Grapes from VinalopóA dish that symbolizes Novelda’s identity.

The main course was famous Vegetable paellica with artichokesA proposal that highlights the agricultural wealth of Vinalopó. This dish not only emphasizes the importance of vegetables in Alicante cuisine, but also the respect for seasonal products.

Rice cooked to perfection and with the grains just right. Juan Carlos Sánchez highlighted the importance of this dish: «Vegetable pilaf with artichokes is the main dish. It is a reflection of the country’s cuisine, of our region’s products. “We want people to enjoy the most authentic flavors of Vinalopó.”

The final touch to this gastronomic experience was dessert. Torrija with cookies ice creamleft a sweet memory for those who attended. Torrija, with its crispy exterior and soft interior, paired perfectly with the creamy mantecado ice cream.

To complete this exquisite gastronomic offer Carefully selected wines from bodegas Bocopa. white wine Marina AltaFresh and fruity, it was the ideal companion for starters. Monastral Laudum XII PlusA robust red wine full of nuances perfectly accompanied the paellica, while beer, soft drinks and mineral water were also served to those who preferred them.

During the conference, Juan Carlos Sánchez said, Antonio Gonzalez PomataHe is the promoter of the first editions of “Menjars de la Terra” and explains how traditional cuisine has become a common theme in his career. «Pomata was a very good friend of my father-in-law, Cándido Úbeda, and we joined him on some occasions. “This initiative allows me to continue the work of preserving and showing our gastronomy.”

Taste heritage Carmencita

Carmencita, Novelda’s emblematic spice company, also plays an important role as sponsor of the “Menjars de la Terra”. Jesus Navarro NavarroCarmencita CEO reaffirmed the company’s commitment to “Menjars de la Terra”, highlighting its historical involvement. “Carmencita was already a sponsor on the stage of Antonio González Pomata and now, after the return of Menjars, we continue to support it unconditionally.”

This event, which is considered to be of great importance for the gastronomy of the province, also has a personal meaning for the Navarro family. «My uncle Jesus was very involved in the first editions, which made him a A pleasing project for us». Navarro also highlighted the role of the Carmencita Chair at the University of Alicante, which, together with the Mediterranean Foundation, has organized exhibitions on González Pomata and the first editions of “Menjars de la Terra”.

Carmencita has a history of over a hundred years, The company focused on “taste culture”According to Navarro, “whenever there is a gastronomic topic, Carmencita will be there.” He also emphasized the brand’s strong roots in his hometown of Novelda.

Luis Deltell SeguraThe Deputy Mayor of Novelda and Councilor responsible for Tendering stressed the importance of this event for local development: «Menjars de la Terra is a great initiativeBecause it allows us to value local products and show the best of our lands. In this case, Vinalopó Bagged Grapes are the star product and events like this help us create jobs and support gastronomic tourism.

This “Menjars de la Terra” tour of Alto and Medio Vinalopó, starting in Elda, ends today in a restaurant with a well-deserved reputation such as Ya de Aspe.