Salinera, from Drexco Trapería, is the new star tapa of Murcian gastronomy
Drexco Trapería, Gaia Espacio Gastronómico and Cafetería Tebas were the finalists of the tapas route promoted by Estrella de Levante for its 60 anniversary
The Salinera de Drexco Trapería tapa has won Route 60, the special tapas route promoted by Estrella de Levante for its 60 anniversary. The contest final, the aim of which was to find the new tapa to define Murcian gastronomy, was held at the Estrella de Levante tasting hall at an event hosted by former Masterchef contestant and current professional chef, Mireia Ruiz.
Last September, Estrella de Levante launched this initiative, encouraging venues in downtown Murcia to update Murcia's tapas menu. Among the 35 participating venues, three became finalists thanks to the votes from a jury comprised of members from the different hospitality schools of the city of Murcia and gastronomic institutions.
Paco Salas, Drexco Group chef, won the contest with his Salinera tapa, an almond, semisalted mullet rose and lemon mayonnaise waffle. The winning venue received a check for 1,000 euros and a distinctive plaque. The other two finalist tapas were Huertanica from Gaia Espacio Gastronómico and Punta Este eggplants from Cafetería Tebas.
To decide on what tapa would define new Murcian gastronomy, the three finalist venues prepared their tapa live during the contest final. The professional jury tasked with deciding on the winning tapa was comprised of gastronomic journalist, Parchi Larrosa; Rodrigo Dominguez, Director of Barra de Ideas; Marta Ceballos, Head of Public Relations for the Touristic Qualification Center (CCT in Spanish); influencer Sherezade Carrillo and María Gómez, chef at Magoga.
During the ten days the Route 60 contest was held, between September 28 to October 8, over 20 thousand tapas were served with their respective beers throughout the 35 participating venues. Yayo Delgado, head of Communication and Public Relations for Estrella de Levante, wished to thank the tremendous commitment from all the participants from the hospitality industry, and added that "this event is one of the most important in terms of celebrating our 60 anniversary, given that it is the one we have held in cooperation with the hospitality industry, the very engine that powers Estrella de Levante activity."
