Eighteen restaurants participate in the XII Days of Rice of the Earth

This coming Friday, October 20, the last activity on the Benidorm Gastronomic 2023 calendar will begin. This is the 12th edition of the Earth's Rice Days, which was presented this morning in the El Torrejó building.

These days will last until the 29th of this month.

On this occasion, 18 local restaurants will take part in this gastronomic event organized by the Department of Tourism and the Association of Bars, restaurants, and cafes (Abreca). Participants will offer their clients dishes whose main ingredient will be rice and only typical rice from the area will be accepted.

The participating establishments are the following: Bolikki, Brasería Aurrerá, Condal, El Bodegón Aurrerá, El Mesón, El Puerto, Esturión, Jardín Mediterráneo, La Cava Aragonesa, La Marina, La Posada del Mar, La Tapería Aurrerá, L'Aroma, Les Dunes Suites, Mal Pas, Malaspina, Marina Resort Benidorm and Punto de Sal.
As explained today in the presentation of the Conference, the menu must include at least one starter by the native cuisine of the region, a main course, dessert, and drink. The price will be 25 euros.

The first deputy mayor, Ana Pellicer, attended the presentation, accompanied by members of the municipal corporation, the president of Abreca, Javier del Castillo, and the godfather of Benidorm Gastronomic 2023, Manuel Martínez.

Pellicer highlighted that this is the “last event” of this year's Gastronomic Benidorm “which features our star dish; rice, which has made the Valencian Community a world reference.” The councilor has valued paella as a fundamental dish in Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, but she has emphasized that "the best rice is eaten in the Community."

“Rice is part of our culture, we are rice farmers by tradition and we include it in our diet several times a week. It is a very versatile ingredient that goes with everything,” said Pellicer, who also highlighted the “great variety” of recipes. “Each region, town, or even each house has a rice with its secrets and everyone has known how to bring out their best version.”

He also recognized the participating establishments, whom he congratulated for their “great commitment,” and for the chefs “as great teachers who always innovate and advance and who offer us new recipes and flavors.” “If we have already had twelve editions it is because it works” he added.

Javier del Castillo, for his part, announced that the next edition of Benidorm Gastronomic is already being prepared and highlighted the “great work and effort behind these days.” The president of Abreca also emphasized that “each restaurant gives its best” and congratulated “all the participants.” In addition, he revealed that this year information has also been translated into English "because every year more British people enjoy our cuisine."

Finally, Manuel Martínez expressed his “enormous satisfaction” for having lived this year as the godfather of Benidorm Gastronomic and, after briefly reviewing his beginnings in the hospitality industry, he has announced that “I will continue coming to every activity that is organized.”.