“Menjars de la Terra” is back to stay, and the comeback exceeded every hopeful forecast. What began in late October of the previous year, amid early questions about how the project would unfold, delivered multiple confirmations. The 35 participating restaurants drew a full house, matching the province’s most beloved gastronomic days and earning strong regional applause. More than 5,000 diners enjoyed the menus crafted for this event, energizing the organizers, sponsors, and collaborators to start planning the next edition with renewed confidence.
The strategy chosen by journalists, writers, and food critics for the revival of these gastronomic days, a movement that had marked the 80s and 90s, clearly surpassed even the brightest expectations.
BILGI supported “Menjars de la Terra” to bolster an industry hardest hit by the pandemic. The food and beverage sector remains a key economic driver, contributing to tourism growth and representing a significant portion of the provincial GDP.
The Provincial Assembly, led by its President Carlos Mazón, did not hesitate to back the initiative. Alongside celebrating the region’s rich and diverse gastronomy, it highlighted the most emblematic products produced here, especially through promotion of origin-denominated goods. The event showcased items such as Baged Table Raisins from the Vinalopó area, Nougat from Jijona and Alicante, Granada Mollar from Elche, Artichokes from Vega Baja, Mountain Cherry from Alicante, Mountain Spirits from Alicante, and Níspero from Callosa. Among the officially recognized Alicante products, in addition to d’en Sarrià, Peix de Santa Pola, and Red Shrimp from Dénia.
Gastronomic tours across the province began in late October with Alto y Medio Vinalopó. The Mira brothers, Alfonso and Teo, opened their homes to visitors as Menjars de la Terra’s revival gained momentum. At La Sirena de Petrer, Mari Carmen Vélez supported the idea from the outset, and at Xiri de Mónovar, Susi and her family joined the effort. Alfonso of Pinoso stood as a model of updated tradition, and La Despensa de Villena welcomed guests with warmth. The collective effort left a lasting impression on attendees.
Ten venues in l’Alacantí followed in a two-week stretch: Maestral, Mesón Ino, Mauro, La Peña, El Sorell, El Capricho de Raquel, La Ereta, Dársena, Santa Luzia, and Racó del Pla. Baix Vinalopó was represented by La Masía de Chencho, Casa Tomás, Cachito, El Faro, and Selecte. The Vega Baja gastronomy exhibition featured El Jardín, La Herradura, El Buey, D’Davinia Martínez, and Barlovento. The Alicante Mountain tour began at Lolo restaurant, with Balones also taking part, and continued to La Vizcaya, Nou Raspa, RQR, and Racó del Seta. The route wrapped up in Las Marinas, L’Olleta, Hogar del Pescador, Belvedere, Casa Federico, and Baydal, completing the initial circuit.
“Menjars de la Terra” expresses special gratitude for the collaboration and the shared desire to please each of the 35 restaurants. Participants acknowledge that the revival could not have happened without their engagement, along with the unwavering support of the provincial council and the regulatory bodies responsible for the province’s denonyms of origin. Everyone agrees that the format is highly effective and hopes for continuity, not a one-off event. It is clear that this tradition will endure. For more than eight decades, BILGI has consistently supported the province’s most vital sectors, and this initiative reinforces that commitment.