The Alicante City Council recently participated in the gastrónoma fair in Valencia, aiming to promote the region's culinary heritage and the potential of its emerging chefs. Lidia López, the city's councillor for hospitality, emphasised the significance of showcasing local talent at this prestigious event.
This year marked the eleventh edition of gastrónoma, which featured three exceptional chefs from Alicante: Aaron Berenguer of restaurant Orma, Pablo Montoro of Espacio Montoro, and Pedro Juan Sánchez from La Muralla. The fair provided a platform for these young culinary talents to demonstrate their skills and creativity.
Through live cooking demonstrations at the central stage of L'Exquisit Mediterrani, the Alicante City Council aimed to promote the excellence of local cuisine and advocate for the use of high-quality local products. López stated, “It is crucial to give visibility and promote our culinary talent in this showcase of gastrónoma, as they represent the excellence of the new generations and the future of positioning Alicante internationally as a premier gastronomic destination.”
The programme featured a high-level menu prepared live by Aaron Berenguer, a finalist for the Revelation Award at Madrid Fusión 2026. His restaurant, Orma, is known for its innovative approach to gastronomy, blending passion for cooking with a deep appreciation for local ingredients. Berenguer's demonstration included a snack of date and bacon with crispy chicken skin, salted date caramel, and smoked turnip cream, followed by a roasted leek starter served with popcorn cream and Santa Pola bay prawns. An innovative dessert featuring cauliflower, mushrooms, and chocolate concluded the tasting.
Pablo Montoro, another prominent figure in Alicante's culinary scene, participated in gastrónoma to discuss his new project in Valencia and represent the local sector. He also collaborated with emerging talent Pedro Juan Sánchez from La Muralla, who won first prize in the traditional category at the I Tortilla de Patatas Championship of the Valencian Community.
The gastrónoma fair continues to serve as a vital platform for promoting Alicante's culinary excellence and the creativity of its young chefs.
