The second edition of the gastronomic event “Wine&Fish”, held on Friday at the Barbera dels Aragonés park in Villajoyosa, has attracted a large number of attendees and crowned Pedro Juan Sánchez as the winner of the Carlos Llorca Baus Competition for emerging Mediterranean cuisine talents.
The event combined gastronomy, wine, and local produce, offering a unique experience centered around the flavors of Villajoyosa. The Councilor for Tourism and Commerce, Rosa Llorca, highlighted the success in attendance, with nearly 80 exhibitors, emphasizing zero-kilometer products, wines from renowned wineries, local restaurants, market traders, and the Villajoyosa Fishermen's Guild.
The competition's grand finale pitted Pedro Juan Sánchez, head chef of La Muralla de Tabarca restaurant; Aitana Mora, a student of Culinary Management; and Pedro Pascual, a student of Gastronomy at the University of Alicante (UA). The participants had to prepare a dish using one of three fish from a surprise box provided by the Fishermen's Guild: monkfish, amberjack, and John Dory.
The jury, composed of prominent industry professionals such as Susi Díaz (Michelin-starred chef), Carlos Corredor (Director of the Alicante Gastronomic Guide), Ángeles Ruiz (gastronomic journalist and writer), Mónica Elordi (chef), and Ignacio Florez (president of VilaGourmet), deliberated after the closely contested final.
Rosa Llorca emphasized the revival of the competition as a tribute to Carlos Llorca Baus, a driving force behind La Vila Gastronómica, and as a platform to support young culinary talents, utilizing local products and the region's gastronomic tradition.
The winner, Pedro Juan Sánchez, will have the opportunity to participate in the activities at Villajoyosa's stand at Alicante Gastronómica, taking place from October 2nd to 5th at IFA.
The II edition of “Wine&Fish” also included a wine watercolor competition and featured the Villajoyosa white shrimp as a highlight, present in the dishes prepared by local restaurants. The event concluded with a mojito bar and a DJ set.
The organization, managed by the Commerce and Tourism departments along with Bodegas Fincal, receives institutional support from Turisme de la Generalitat Valenciana, L’Exquisit Mediterrani, the Provincial Council of Alicante, Alicante Gastronómica, GALP La Marina, VilaGourmet, the Market, and the Fishermen's Guild of La Vila Joiosa.
The councilor concluded by highlighting that “Wine & Fish” is a consolidated event that values local traditions and roots, creating new experiences through local entrepreneurs.
