DESAL Torrevieja: New Gastronomic Festival brings Michelin Chefs and Local Flavors to Vega Baja
Torrevieja, Spain – Torrevieja will turn into a culinary stage when the inaugural DESAL gastronomic festival brings celebrated regional chefs, local restaurants and a program of tastings, workshops and showcookings to the Finca Victoria Garden (the old Salones Bahía) for three days: October 17, 18 and 19. Organizers promise a celebration of local product, innovation and Mediterranean tradition.
What is DESAL Torrevieja?
DESAL is presented as a festival of the senses that aims to put Torrevieja and the Vega Baja region on the map of Valencian gastronomy. The event highlights the creativity of award-winning chefs while promoting local ingredients-especially products tied to the salt flats and agricultural traditions of the area.
organizers and partners
- Rosario Martínez Chazarra – Torrevieja’s Councillor for Hospitality and Tourism
- josé Ignacio Pastor - President of the Association of hospitality Businesses of Torrevieja and the Comarca
- Alicia Arenas – Director of the CdT (Tourism Training Centre) of Torrevieja
The festival is supported by local and regional collaborators including Salinas de Torrevieja, Convega, the Asociación Alcachofa Vega Baja del Segura, and tourism actions with Turespaña in Oslo and Warsaw, plus L’exquisit mediterrani and Turisme Comunitat valenciana.
Headline chefs and program highlights
DESAL brings together chefs with Michelin stars and Repsol Soles alongside prominent local restaurateurs. The program mixes live cooking demonstrations, themed talks, tastings and workshops designed for both professionals and the general public.
| Date | Chef / Venue | Theme / Presentation |
|---|---|---|
| Fri,Oct 17 | Carlos García Moreno (Dexcaro,Dénia) | “Our rice from here and there” - rice dishes with influences from Peru,Japan and Thailand |
| Fri,Oct 17 | rafael Soler (Audrey’s,Calpe) | “La huerta de Rafa Soler” – a tribute to local produce |
| Fri,oct 17 | Adrian Stojewski | Spanish-Polish culinary fusion; olive oil sommelier |
| Sat,oct 18 | Quico Corrochano (Mr. Cover Lab,Torrevieja) | Panettone with Torrevieja salt and La Mata grapes |
| Sat,Oct 18 | Kiko Moya (L’Escaleta,Cocentaina) | “Salt as a transforming element” – two signature creations |
| Sat,Oct 18 | alberto Ferruz (BonAmb) & Emmanuelle Barón (Casa Pepa) | “Memory as a starting point” - a four-hand exploration of tradition and innovation |
| Sat,Oct 18 | José Manuel Marcos Candela (Crujiente Petits Plaisirs) | Chocolate Panettone – prizewinner at Madrid Fusión Pastry 2024 |
| Sun,Oct 19 | Joaquín baeza Rufete (Baeza & Rufete) | “Essences of the Mediterranean” |
| Sun,Oct 19 | Vicky sevilla (Arrels,Sagunto) | Market-focused simplicity – cooking that honors market produce |
Local restaurants joining DESAL
Alongside star chefs,a selection of Torrevieja restaurants will participate and showcase local flavors:
- Las Columnas
- Luz de mar
- La Mar de Bien
- HB
- La Galería de La Mirada
- Las Cañas
- Bianco
- Misto
- Mr. Cover Lab
Why DESAL matters for Torrevieja and Vega Baja
Organizers describe DESAL as more than a showcase: it seeks to increase qualitative competitiveness while remaining a civic celebration. The festival aims to:
- Promote local ingredients (salt, vegetables, artisanal products) and the gastronomic identity of Vega Baja
- Offer learning and networking opportunities for hospitality professionals
- Attract culinary tourism and strengthen Torrevieja’s cultural calendar
What visitors can expect
- Live showcookings and chef talks
- Tastings and pairings, including olive oil and local salt-focused creations
- Workshops, pastry demonstrations and masterclasses
- An accessible program for both food lovers and industry professionals
Practical data
Venue: Old Salones Bahía (Finca Victoria Garden Torrevieja). Dates: October 17-19 (as announced by the festival organizers). For program details, tickets and participating schedules, visitors are advised to consult the official festival communications or local tourism channels.
Final note
With Michelin-starred chefs and a strong lineup of local establishments, DESAL Torrevieja looks set to become an annual meeting point for lovers of Valencian and Mediterranean cuisine-blending tradition, terroir and culinary creativity in the heart of Vega Baja.
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