He knows every detail. He is the first to open the restaurant and the spark behind the gastronomy days known as Menjars de la Terra. The event travels through the regions of l Alcoia, El Comtat and Foia de Castalla. For more than four decades, the chef has lived and breathed gastronomy, its craft, and its daily life. Early on, he was the first DJ at the region’s inaugural nightclub, a memory that still echoes in the kitchen. His path began in a cafeteria, and forty years later he remains deeply immersed in the culinary world. A first dish they remember is a covered soup that disappeared before it could be served, and a bold, bold alternative quickly filled the gap. The kitchen has always been a proving ground where hearty, punchy flavors meet determination. He recalls the joy of sourcing ingredients at the market when traveling, a simple ritual that fuels his craft. It is said he carries a fierce, Naples born spirit, and he cites his mother’s market stall as the spark of his love for food. The simplest, most beloved dish from Alcoy’s picaeta culture remains his favorite sample of tradition.
touring the province
Menjars de la Terra keeps moving across the province of Alicante. It started in Upper and Middle Vinalopó, then crossed to L Alacant I, Baix Vinalopó and Vega Baja. This week it shifts to the Alicante Mountain region, a place steeped in tradition and rich in culinary variety.
Olleta and borreta, pericana, both sweet and savory coca and bajoques farcides are among the iconic flavors of Alcoy. Alcoy is known for its bridges and, paradoxically, for a different kind of bridge: the link between sea and mountain flavors. There are stuffed olives and a handful of regional drinks such as coffee liqueur or herbero. Meat pies, pelaillas, wraps, and sweet potato pastis complete a menu that honors land, sea, and seasonality.
welcome to the perican kingdom
Gastronomic days Menjars de la Terra are organized with the support of Alicante County Council and a network of gastronomic values tied to soil, sea, and hospitality. These conferences reach beyond food; they tell stories that connect people with place and tradition.
There is no gathering in these parts that travels the province with its flavors and ingredients without honoring the region’s heritage. The white shore region called Menjars embodies a land of contrasts from sea to mountains, offering a chance to experience a vivid flavor explosion at a well-set table with the area’s finest products. Denominations of Origin Regulatory Councils play a special role in supporting the province’s producers.
Therefore, the President of the Alicante Provincial Assembly, Carlos Mazon, attended and highlighted the revival of Menjars because these conferences connect past culinary leadership with present practice. The idea is to gather the best, carry it forward, and let the kitchen tell its story. He also noted that consuming a bit more local products can help create and sustain thousands of jobs. The invitation stands to enjoy and reflect on regional menus.
Alcoy as a starting point
The fifth phase of the gastronomic gathering began in Alcoy, surrounded by nature and known around the world for its entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. This energy translates into hotel and gastronomy, and Lolo’s team embodies authenticity in every dish. Alcoy’s culture and tradition shine through in each plate, weaving art and taste together.
The mayor of Alcoy emphasized how these conferences offer a chance to share culinary culture. He spoke of living in a province rich in many ways, where gastronomy stands out. In Alcoy, the history of the city is told through its cuisine, a testament to a working-class community that turned the land’s gifts into culinary art.
Antonio González recalled Pomata, a journalist who helped spark this project forty years ago. Pomata’s reignited interest in Alcoyan cuisine, as reported in a column that celebrated the idea of Cocina Alcoyana and its roots beyond famous dishes such as olleta, bajoca farcida, borreta or arros caldos.
I am proud to represent Mount Alicante
This week’s Menjars de la Terra offers a glimpse of Mount Alicante, where almond trees bloom and cherry blossoms promise a bright display. The region teams up with Castile, Cocentaina and Ibi for lively events, while Balones hosts stoves and entertainment in a spirit of regional pride.