The croquette crown has a new owner in Alicante. Congratulations to the restaurant Brasad’or who has taken first place at this year’s Alacroqueta championship.
Brasad’or won the title of best croquette in the province with its “croqueta de cecina de vaca madurada” (aged cured beef croquette).
The popular food festival, held over five days in Plaza de Séneca, proved a huge success.
In total, a tasty record 150,000 croquetas were sold.
A strong top three
Second place went to Cheos with its “croqueta de pollo teriyaki” (teriyaki chicken croquette). Meanwhile, La Favorita secured third with a “croqueta de carbonara”.
Councillor for Hospitality Lidia López congratulated all participants. She praised the high level and quality of the fourteen entries and highlighted the creativity on display. Events like this, she noted, continue to showcase the strength of Alicante’s food scene.
Alacroqueta: Thousands of votes
Throughout the festival, thousands of visitors cast their votes. They judged each croquette on presentation, texture and flavour.
Last year’s winner was Cheos with a “croqueta de jamón trufada” (truffle ham croquette), showing the venue’s consistency at the top level.
A growing food festival
This second Alacroqueta event expanded to five days and featured fourteen local businesses. Each offered their creations in packs of three, making it easy for visitors to sample a variety of flavours.
In addition, live music, DJs and activities kept the crowds entertained. For those with a sweet tooth, there were also desserts on offer, including cheesecakes from Gozo and ice cream from Borgonesse.
Back for round three
Organisers have already confirmed a third Alacroqueta following what they described as a very positive result. López admitted that choosing a winner was no easy task, as any of the entries could have taken the prize.
The croquettes on show
This year’s participating venues brought a wide range of flavours, from traditional to creative. Highlights included:
- El Camello – “shawarma de pollo”
- Grupo Montoro – beef shank with jalapeño, lime and toasted sesame
- La Taberna del Gourmet – Iberian ham with burrata and sun-dried tomato
- Samana – “La Kimcheta” (kimchi-inspired)
- Ditaly – mushroom and truffle risotto
- De Pizzeo – “La Tentazione”
- Cheos – teriyaki chicken
- Distópico – “Smoky Pulled”
- La Favorita – carbonara
- Donde Nakiss – truffle croquette
- Brasad’or – aged cured beef (winner)
- Vicbros – “Umami Txuletballs”
- Santabar – rotisserie chicken
- Da Nené – ricotta and ’nduja
