Aspeting a Memorable Gastronomy Experience in Aspe
You may have heard that some places are simply worth visiting anytime. Aspe, a town that feels welcoming from the moment one arrives, often exceeds expectations. A recent Monday proved this once again. The opening invitation promised an extraordinary blend: 21 Michelin stars and 25 Repsol bases shared during XXII Alfonso Mira Gastronomy Meetings.
Although there was a slight delay in arrival, the day began on a high note. Upon entering, two senior ambassadors of Aspe greeted guests with warmth. Juanfran Asencio and Juani Navarrete, the pastry managers renowned for their sincere smiles, set a tone that sweetened the experience for everyone who walked through the door.
A table and a shared cloth created a cozy living-room atmosphere, surrounded by notable figures such as Teo and Alfonso Mira, food critics Toni Perez Marcos and F. Fernando Canet, and José Vicente Pérez, a member of Aspe City Council’s Finance Committee. Their hospitality underscored the pride this community takes in food and celebration.
Throughout the event, the ensemble of hosts and guests moved fluidly around the stage, announcing forthcoming dishes amid laughter and warm embraces. The line-up included Andrea Drago, Juan Guillamon, Alvar Hinojal, Rafa Soler, Miguel Navarro, Borja Susilla, Pablo González, Xune Andrade, Juan Carlos Garcia, Rafa Centeno, Ferdinando Bernardi, Juan Monteagudo, Alberto Molinero, Xabi Goikoetxea, Andreu Genestra, Elio Fernandez, and Christopher Munoz. The menu was a collaboration among 17 chefs, drawing on 21 Michelin Stars and 25 Repsol bases. The question on everyone’s lips was who could give more next time?
The kitchen buzzed with energy as the festival kicked off. Four snacks, eleven courses, one pre-dessert, and one dessert formed the sequence, each course paired with fourteen wines that frequently reached moments of culinary harmony. The early highlights centered on flavor contrasts and textural play: a squid dish with almond, egg yolk, and guanciale tartare; a Murcian-style salad with fresh thyme and smoky eel; and a Nikkei trout with beet ceviche, all presented with careful balance and finesse. Other plates drew admiration for their composition, including amberjack with red pepper and roasted avocado, pickled oysters with lemon, butter and fondant, a tortello with Kalkan, Livornese sauce, pil pil and almonds, and a cauliflower creation enriched by butter and a hint of atomized Iberian ham fat. For dessert, honey with cheese and peaches offered a finish that lingered thoughtfully. The moment captured the essence of a shared passion for cuisine and conversation.
XXII Alfonso Mira Gastronomy Meetings stand as a distinctive culinary journey, offering a spectrum of themed events that showcase the best in Spanish gastronomy. The Mira brothers have earned a reputation as true ambassadors for Alicante and Aspen’s culinary scene. The event’s success year after year speaks to a commitment to excellence, community, and innovation in cuisine, celebrated by everyone who attends and participates within this vibrant gastronomic network.