Open to the Public: Menjars de la Terra Tour One
The countdown begins for a fresh tasting tour after the summer break known as Menjars de la Terra. This year, the eagerly anticipated event will return across regions rooted in tradition, notably Central and Upper Vinalopó. The star of the show is the bagged table grapes from Vinalopó, celebrated as a key regional product.
The opening restaurant for the season is Leandra Espacio Gastronomy, located in Elda, kicking off on Monday, September 16. The manager, Paulino Motilla, highlights a specially crafted menu designed to echo the land’s essence by showcasing dishes that celebrate local produce. The culinary philosophy blends heritage with a contemporary touch, always honoring local ingredients and quality. A standout main course is Pork tenderloin with Moscatel sauce and Vinalopó grapes.
The second stop is La Façana in Biar, scheduled for Tuesday the 17th. Its director, Antonio Miguel Valls, emphasizes initiatives like Menjars de la Terra that elevate traditional cuisine and support restaurants, especially inland. La Façana’s tasting setup highlights spoon dishes and a strong nod to local fare, with Main courses such as Wheat Olleta and Broth cooked with noodles and balls on offer.
Wednesday the 18th brings Equelite restaurant in Villeneuve into the spotlight. Led by head chef Paqui Serrano, the team presents a menu faithful to their style, keeping flavor at the forefront and preserving favorite dishes like pilaf. The cuisine emphasizes local, indigenous products, with a focus on Mediterranean and traditional dishes; the Lamb with light garlic is a featured main.
On Thursday, September 19, Nou Cucuch in Nou Cucuch district hosts the next session. Juan Carlos Sánchez, the business manager, and his kitchen team present a menu bearing the event’s seal. The aim is to celebrate traditional dishes while weaving in Alicante-sourced products. The main course slated for this night is Vegetable paellica with artichokes.
The gastronomy week concludes on Friday, September 20 at Ya restaurant, a known reference in the region. Ernesto Mira leads the team in offering a complete menu that showcases the area’s diverse, balanced gastronomy and its distinctive flavors. The emphasis remains on local products, crafted with care and respect for regional gastronomic traditions. The closing main course features Mountain lordet rice with chicken, rabbit, Iberian secret, and goose.
The event frames every dish with affection and effort, aiming to bring indigenous cuisine closer to enthusiasts of good food. The menu highlights regional products such as table grapes and Aspe sausage, among others, underscoring a deep respect for local gastronomy and decades of experience in menu planning for guests and friends alike.
Open to the General Public
Menjars de la Terra is a knowledge-driven initiative supported by the Provincial Council of Alicante. This cultural gastronomy week backs the hotel sector and is endorsed by Denominations of Origin councils within the province, putting Vinalopó Bagged Table Grapes at the center of attention. The days are accessible to all visitors and offer a chance to explore the region’s gastronomic treasures. Attendees can typically search for and reserve their preferred restaurant in advance to ensure a seat at these celebrated tastings.
As plans unfold, the week presents a unique opportunity to explore the state’s diverse culinary traditions through local, seasonal menus.
Menus of the Week
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Welcome cocktail includes pork rinds with Maldon salt, beet hummus with pico de gallo in a potato cup, and mini salmon tartare with avocado, mango, and Vinalopó grapes. For starters, there are medallions of pork knuckle with Parmentier, pickled mango, and goose; sea bass with vegetables on leek cream and charcoal mayonnaise; and Camembert millefeuille with Vinalopó grape compote and fried sage. Main course focuses on Pork tenderloin with nutmeg sauce and Vinalopó grapes. For dessert, puff pastry cream with red fruits accompanies coffee and teas. Shopping centre features DOP Alicante wines plus beers, soft drinks, and mineral water. PRICE PER PERSON: €42 (VAT included). Reservations and venue details are listed as informational content for readers exploring the schedule.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
For starters, Vinalopó grape cheese delicacies, Pericana with dried peppers, codfish, garlic, and olive oil, beef fillet in vinaigrette grape sauce, grilled candied artichokes, and a burrata tomato salad. Main choices include Wheat pot or cooked broth with noodles and balls. Dessert features a bear nougat cake, and beverages include coffee and teas. Shopping centre highlights DOP Alicante wines along with beers and soft drinks. PRICE PER PERSON: €42 (VAT included). Reservations are provided as part of the program details.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Beginners’ options include shrimp tartare, beans with goose, truffle, and Vinalopó Grape reduction, Triguico villenero cover, and tomato salad with mojama. Main is Soft garlic lamb, with cerol gelatin nougat ice cream for dessert. Shopping centre features White Marina Alta wines and Red Monastrell from Bocopa, plus Estrella Daam beer and other beverages. PRICE PER PERSON: €42 (VAT included).
Reservation details are part of the program guidance.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Beginners’ selections include dried Pinoso sausage with village white fish, grilled eggplant, salted fish varieties, and gachamiga tasting with bagged Vinalopó Grapes. Main course is Vegetable paellica with artichokes, with Torrija and cookie ice cream for dessert. Shopping centre includes White Marina Alta and Red Monastrell from Bocopa, plus beverages. PRICE PER PERSON: €42 (VAT included). Reservations follow the event’s schedule.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Final day features osmotically prepared tomatoes with fatty tuna, cured Aspe sausage tartare with pickles on crispy panipuri, flaming eggplant with black pudding and goat cheese crumbs, and Lamb rechihuelas tacos with garlic, demiglace, and crispy onions. Main is Mountain lordet rice with chicken, rabbit, Iberian secret, mushrooms, and goose. Dessert is caramelized French toast with Vinalopó grape ice cream. Shopping centre presents wines and other beverages from regional producers. PRICE PER PERSON: €42 (VAT included). Reservations are provided through the event listings.
Yarestaurant, along with other participants, contributes to the week’s collective showcase of local gastronomy.