THIS WEEKEND the Mediterranean beachfront city of Torrevieja hosts the very latest spring edition of their popular tapas route, the “Ruta de la Tapa”.
Diners can enjoy a wide variety of authentic Spanish tapas during the latest iteration of the popular event, with 23 venues taking part. However, in a departure from previous editions, this year's springtime experience lasts for two weekends.
The event normally occurs twice yearly – once in the autumn and once at this time of year, but due to the ongoing global pandemic, last year's springtime event was cancelled. To compensate for the adjustment to the social calendar the latest event runs for two consecutive weekends – with this weekend representing the first chance for residents and international visitors to experience the gastronomic delicacies on offer.
One of the coastal city's most successful innovations and now in its sixth year, the Torrevieja Tapas Route offers people the ability to sample beautifully presented Spanish fayre at prices that offer excellent value.
For this spring, a selection of revered local restaurants are taking part in the event, including specialised tapas bars such as Tapería El Teatro, and Brasas y Tapas in the city centre; and our favourite beachfront restaurant, La Cantina, on the main promenade adjacent to the city’s port.
This year´s role-call of local establishments includes some big names on the south Costa Blanca restaurant scene, including city centre venues such as Restaurante Luz de Mar, Tapas Bar Catalina II, and Burger Hombre del Mar directly overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
“Nos Vamos de Tapas” in Torrevieja this spring weekend
For each venue, four different tapas will be available – presented to serve two people: “Home-style” (or “Author”) style tapas and traditional “Gourmet” tapas, with each plate of tapas served with two small beers, two glasses of wine, or two soft drink for just €10.00 per plate.
Typically, the tapa is accompanied by a small Spanish beer, with Cruzcampo, Mahou, Estrella, Ambar, Alhambra, and San Miguel well represented throughout the city.
Alternatively, the tapa can be enjoyed with a small glass of fine Spanish wine, and a selection of Rioja, Jumilla, and other Valencian label speciality wines will be available for tasting.
Due to public health restrictions in place within the Valencian Community, dishes are available from 12:00 until 18:00 and present an opportunity for local restaurants to showcase their culinary skills, resulting in some ornate and perfectly beautiful dishes.
The Torrevieja Tapas Route event offers a fun and inexpensive way to spend a lunchtime or late afternoon touring the centre of Torrevieja and discovering many of the hidden sights and delights within the city.
The local organisers in association with Torrevieja Gastronomica have provided a leaflet with a map showing the route, available for download here or from tourist information offices.
Torrevieja Tapas Route, sample traditional Spanish food by the Mediterranean Sea
The leaflet outlines the participating venues and provides further details regarding the menu offered by each restaurant on the different days over the forthcoming weekend.
The event has been organised by Torrevieja Gastronomica in association with local businesses and receives support from Torrevieja’s tourist board.
Usually held twice yearly in the spring and autumn, Torrevieja´s Tapas Route has quickly become a popular staple event that has been replicated across local communities throughout Spain, and has proven a success with both residents and tourists wherever it is held.
The spring 2021 Torrevieja Tapas Route takes place this weekend, Saturday 17th April and Sunday 18th April, and culminates next weekend from Thursday 22nd April until Sunday 25th April 2021. Visit the official website for more information and to see the full list of restaurants.
Looking for holiday ideas and inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa this year, or join the La Zenia Community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.
Photo credit: LaZenia.com
