welcome to the perican kingdom
the annual Menjars de la Terra conferences have transformed mount alicante into a notable stop for gastronomy enthusiasts in one of the province’s most iconic dining towns. the spotlight falls on castellut gazpacho, a signature that has become a defining element of this region’s palate. the venue chosen for the occasion, la viscaya, is renowned for its distinctive approach to preparing this emblematic dish from the inland areas. the dish carries a lineage that spans generations, with grandmothers and mothers alike shaping its craft. castellut gazpacho stands apart from the more common manchego versions, carrying a unique Castellut mark weaved into every plate. the brothers noelia and bernat álvarez leal, who run the family restaurant alongside their parents, describe how their grandmother and mother instilled a tradition that now anchors the restaurant’s menu. the castilla-style recipe features two notable touches: the method that forms the base of the dish and a pebble-shaped aromatic herb harvested from the surrounding mountains, which together create a subtle yet memorable profile. some ingredients and techniques have become a local secret that elevates the dish beyond standard gazpacho forms. (Source: regional culinary records)
welcome to the perican kingdom
regarding the initiative supported by the information office and the provincial assembly, the álvarez brothers express strong optimism about the program. they note that the effort helps to spotlight regional products while keeping the heritage of the grandparents’ kitchen alive with a contemporary twist. the public response has been exceptionally positive, they say, underscoring the role of tradition in modern dining. new energy and attention continue to revolve around the area as chefs reinterpret familiar flavors for today’s guests. (Source: regional culinary coverage)
the emotional centerpiece of the day was the appearance of toni faithful, founder of the legendary restaurant whiskey and patriarch of the álvarez family. toni previously appeared in the inaugural edition of Menjars de la Terra and remains a touchstone for castalla’s gastronomic scene. at 89, he continues to bring warmth to service and a love of card games that residents remember fondly. (Source: community profiles)
you can now view the menus of the Menjars de la Terra restaurants on mount alicante
among the attendees was a member of the kastalla cultural council, saul miravidal, who remarked that the initiative mirrors the idea that each town has its own culinary heritage and that such local gastronomy forms a key part of the municipal cultural legacy. (Source: cultural affairs notes)
today the dining scene in castellta welcomes a new entry with the latest regional creation, the new rasp de cocentaina. (Source: regional gastronomy brief)