If you decide to travel to Andalucía keep in mind that the Andalucía wines have the oldest denomination origin in all of Spain, and that says a lot. The DO Malaga was born in 1933 and was the fist to be recognized in our country. That same year the DO Jerez-Xérès-Sharry, was also recognized and in 1954 the DO Montilla-Moriles.

These ancient wines are connected by the ancestral culture of Andalucía, a history that is still rich this day an age. That is why the wine is a great companion to the tapas ritual and together they form one of the most transcendental gastronomical dimension. Don’t miss the opportunity to go on a getaway through these lands and enjoy. Every time I’m in this part of the world I enjoy the food and specially wine to the fullest.

Andalucía keeps producing excellent wines, they are unique and singular in their taste, always keeping their Spanish heritage. They are generous in their alcohol but also delicate, vigorous and full of different blends. Their enormous diversity within their own style is one the actual characteristic in its production that unites finos, manzanillas, amontillados, olorosos, palo cortado, dulces and moscateles.

photo Flickr

A friend of mine who is a gastronomy expert always told me that I had to try the Restaurant El Poblet in Dénia once in my life (and after that many more). And he has absolutely right.

If you have just arrived in Alicante I highly recommend that you rent a car right away and go straight to the gastronomy temple, that recently has received the second Michelin star. Once there you will realize why the chef Quique Dacosta is one of the most recognized chefs of Spain and the world.

The restaurant is located near the beach in the town of Denia and has a very modern and attractive decoration. When you are there let the chef guide your through this culinary experience. Don’t leave without tasting the red shrimp of Denia covered with delicacies that you will not forget.

Make sure you make reservations, it is worth it.

Photos and information El Poblet

If you just got to Alicante and you don’t know where to eat, I recommend one of the best restaurants of the province. Rent a car and travel at least one hour to Cocentaina, so you can give your taste buds a treat by eating at La Escaleta. This restaurant is a sort of creative kitchen elaborated with typical ingredients found in the mountains of Alicante.

I don’t think you will find one person who doesn’t like this place and to prove it, they are proud owners a Michelin Guide stars. The tomato carpaccio with fish, the tostons del terreno (earth corn) and their reinvention of the abisnio (boiled and fried egg) with an ali-oli base are just delicious.

But that is not all, if you also like the outdoors, this is your place because just a few kilometers away you will find the natural de la Font Roja and de la Sierra de Mariola parks. What else can I say?

More info La Escaleta

Photos of  La Escaleta in Google