The Award-Winning Menu Captivating Palates in Alicante's Interior

The restaurant Xiri (Monóvar) has long been a topic of conversation, and for good reason. Its 'Award Menu' features some of the most iconic starters by chef Josep Palomares, recognised in various competitions over the years. A journey through the essence of Alicante's interior gastronomy, where each dish tells a story of tradition and innovation. This establishment, with nearly four decades of history, has successfully combined the culinary tradition of Alicante's interior with innovative touches that reflect its evolution over time.

The Xiri Restaurant, located in Monóvar, has established itself as one of the best options for gastronomy lovers in Alicante's interior. In a landscape where fleeting culinary trends emerge, Xiri bets on the richness of Spanish, Alicante, and Mediterranean cuisine, considered by many as the best in the world.

The menu begins with a series of award-winning starters from various gastronomic competitions. The Russian Salad, awarded at GastroAlicante 2014, surprises with its crunchy potato texture and a mayonnaise foam with a subtle citrus aroma. It is a refreshing take on a classic.

The Garlic Prawn Croquette with its tartar, recognised as the best tapa in the Valencian Community in 2021, stands out for its creaminess and intense flavour. Its soft interior contrasts with a perfectly crispy exterior, offering a well-balanced explosion of marine flavours.

The Crunchy Gachamiga with Longaniza Tartar, awarded in 2023, blends the humility of gachamiga and longaniza from Casas del Señor with a top-tier gastronomic finish. The grapes accompanying the dish evoke the vineyards of Monóvar, creating an unforgettable culinary experience that highlights local ingredients and traditions.

Finally, the Wild Boar Taco transports diners to the dawns of Alicante's mountains. The presentation, with dry ice fog and wild herb aromas, envelops slow-cooked wild boar meat, served on dacsa cakes.

Chef Josep Palomares of Xiri explains that the idea for this menu came from the customers themselves, who, after seeing the awards the restaurant accumulated, began requesting the opportunity to try them. "The selection of dishes is designed to take diners from the freshest flavours to the most robust, on a journey through the culinary tradition of Alicante's interior."

As a main course, it is recommended to order their Rabbit and Snail Rice, considered by chef Ferran Adrià as the best rice in the world. Served in its paella at the centre, this dish captures the aromas of Alicante's mountains thanks to rosemary and other herbs provided by the snails. The Molino Roca rice, renowned for its quality in Michelin-starred restaurants, is cooked to perfection, with a socarrat that adds texture and flavour.

Josep Palomares has revealed some of the secrets of his rice, such as the special touch provided by his selection of spices: "We use clove, pepper, rosemary, and saffron threads. The clove is a very particular detail of this rice in Monóvar, giving it a very unique and original flavour."

To culminate the experience, the Potato Toña French Toast, typical of Monóvar, offers a gentle sweetness and evokes memories of childhood snacks. The Monóvar Perusas, which melt in the mouth, accompanied by an infusion of cantueso collected from local fields, close the menu with an aromatic and warm note.

The Xiri Restaurant not only offers its cuisine but a sensory journey through Alicante's gastronomy. Just 25 minutes from Alicante, this corner of Monóvar is a must-visit for those seeking authenticity, tradition, and creativity. They are open from Wednesday to Sunday, and reservations are recommended.