Gastronomy Days Highlight Small Town Flavor in Alicante’s Interior
In a mountain town known for its intimate charm and tiny population of just over 100 residents, a celebrated culinary journey reached a memorable peak. The event showcased the most authentic flavors from the interior hills of Alicante, with the Racó del Seta restaurant’s mushroom dish lighting up the kitchen and dining room alike. The gathering drew praise from seasoned professionals, both in the kitchen and at the tables, who filled the venue with a well-deserved round of applause. The highlight was not only the menu but also the olive oil, produced from ancient olive trees and standing as the hero of the tasting hosted by Millena Mill.
The mayor of Balones, Juan Tomás Bou, alongside his deputy, Javier Sendra, joined the participants, lending the day a strong sense of community and pride. A local reporter captured the moment, noting the vibrant atmosphere and the town’s hospitality.
The restaurant’s head chef, Manuel Esquembre, spoke of a highly positive public response. He described how many people reached out to ask for directions to the town, and how the venue was filled to capacity. The chef expressed heartfelt happiness about the turnout and the opportunities the day created for Balones.
The oil tasting drew considerable attention, underscoring the region’s commitment to quality. Carles Pérez, manager of SAT Agrofruit, emphasized the aim of producing an organic, premium olive oil to reclaim the region and preserve its agricultural heritage. The tasting celebrated olive oils derived from trees several centuries old, noting that some specimens trace roots to Syrian varieties. These ancient trees are costly to maintain and require constant care, yet they contribute a rare, valuable natural heritage with unique properties.
Esquembre also highlighted the menu’s star dish, a traditional mountain favorite featuring a hearty olleta made with pork trotters and ribs. This dish embodies the rustic lineage of mountaintop cooking, perfectly aligned with the customs of Alicante’s mountains. It remains a staple recipe that endures across seasons, even during warmer months, because of its comforting, time-honored flavors.
The day also emphasized the warm, convivial ambiance that accompanied the culinary showcase. Attendees enjoyed a sense of community and shared appreciation for regional produce and cooking practices that have long defined the area.
Juan Tomás Bou, the Balones mayor, remarked that the World’s Managers initiative is remarkable for promoting small towns through gastronomy. He noted that Racó del Seta benefited greatly by serving local neighbors through a municipal concession while also attracting visitors from outside the town. The event underscored how a single restaurant can become a focal point for regional pride and economic activity.
Javier Sendra, the state MPevaluated, offered a highly positive assessment of the initiative, called to preserve these gastronomic days in collaboration with the Alicante Provincial Council. He stated that such events energize even the smallest towns and help highlight local gastronomic traditions as a driver for tourism development.
The next gathering in the series has been announced as Las Marinas, promising continued celebration of regional flavors and culinary talent.
Attributions: The culinary team, municipal representatives, and event organizers contributed to the day’s success, with ongoing support from regional agricultural and tourism authorities. The tasting and demonstrations were documented by local photographers who captured the energy and pride of the occasion, underscoring the importance of preserving agricultural heritage and traditional cooking techniques for future generations.