The winning tapa consists of pearlescent cod flakes over chickpea cream, with a contrast of black garlic aioli, toasted chickpeas, and a touch of sesame and umami. The award was presented this Monday at Casa Mediterráneo, as part of the seventh edition of these gastronomic days, in which 17 restaurants participated.
The final classification was completed by Pipirrana Vermut, which won second prize with its ‘Oreja cofrade al vermut alicantino’, and El Dragón Escamado, third thanks to ‘Tapa del penitente’, a wheat capirote filled with fried chicken with homemade breading, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and Caesar sauce, accompanied by french fries.
“"The great participation in the competition continues to grow with an exceptional level and quality. The tapas represent the balance between tradition and innovation, made with the best local product, the talent of our chefs, and the ability to reinvent hospitality."
The results also reflect broad public support for the winning proposal. Insensato Vermú restaurant was distinguished with the first prize after achieving 43.1% of the votes. Second place went to Pipirrana Vermut, with 17.5%, while the third prize was for El Dragón Escamado, with 12.8%.
The councilor also highlighted the positioning of Alicante's gastronomy and defended that the city has “product, sea, fish markets, orchards, and we know how to do things very well”. In this sense, she emphasized the joint work of the hospitality sector with administrations to continue promoting initiatives that favor the growth of restoration, agriculture, livestock, and fishing in the territory.
“"To speak of hospitality is to speak of effort, waking up early, opening shutters, lighting stoves, always serving with a smile even when days are very difficult, of tradition but also of innovation. Alicante is flavor, talent, culture, but above all it is the origin of recipes passed down from generation to generation, unique products, a way of understanding life and a table."
During the event, several prizes were also awarded among the participants in the competition. Among the winners are a gift card from the Alicante Municipal Markets, a visit for two people to Bodega Bocopa with a bottle of wine, a lot from Carmencita, a lot from Economato Ibérico, and a lot from Anís Tenis.
