From Market to Plate: The Alicante Bar That Cooks What You Buy

At the bar of El Palmito, the classics are never missing: a tray of Russian salad, pork with tomato, and a Spanish omelette. A common combination in any bar in Alicante, but in this case, it hides a very unconventional proposal. This small venue, decorated with esparto lamps and a tropical air, offers one of the freshest gastronomic experiences in the city.

El Palmito sources directly from its surroundings: the Inmaculada del Pla arcades. Here, customers can visit the fishmonger, buy some mussels or clams, and take them directly to the bar, where they are cooked on the spot. If someone wants a cheese or cold cuts platter, Juan, the waiter, goes to the butcher, makes the purchase on the spot, and returns to serve it.

The formula seems to work. According to Juan himself, the venue fills up on weekends and reservations are necessary. During the week, the arcades display a scene of a significant number of elderly people who come to shop at the various stalls, but on Fridays and Saturdays, the atmosphere changes completely: younger neighbours join in, having found in this bar an excellent value for money.

"Here, many people come for the meat in sauce or order tortillas to take away. From Monday to Friday, many toasts and breakfasts are made," says Juan. But the atmosphere changes on the weekend: coffees give way to vermouth, toasts to tapas, and thus El Palmito brings life to the Inmaculada del Pla shopping arcades.

In addition to its tapas and fresh market produce, El Palmito also takes care of its wine list: they seek well-known references to accompany each dish. Thus, it is not uncommon to pair clams with a Mar de Frades or a cold cuts platter with a Protos. A proposal that aims to satisfy an audience that appreciates quality products and values pairing them with recognisable names.

El Palmito is already part of the growing gastronomic offer in markets and arcades. A model that is spreading throughout the city and seeks to transform the act of shopping into an experience of leisure and socialisation. "Many people take the opportunity to pass by the stalls and then stay with friends for a drink," says José, another waiter at the venue. "More and more young people are coming, especially those around 30 years old. Everything is celebrated here: family meals, birthdays, or gatherings with friends," he adds while preparing some mussels freshly bought at the neighbouring fishmonger.

"In the arcades, we all help each other. We are not competitors," he concludes with a smile.