La gastronomía en Alcalá de Henares es un auténtico tesoro que refleja la rica tradición culinaria de la región de Madrid y la influencia de la cercana Castilla-La Mancha. Esta ciudad, con su impresionante patrimonio histórico y cultural, también tiene mucho que ofrecer en términos de sabores y aromas que deleitan a sus visitantes y locales por igual.
Alcalá Gastronómica is a vibrant association that fills its event calendar with countless activities that complement the cultural life of the city. In addition, other initiatives are added to these proposals, allowing its members to strengthen local gastronomy and its position as a benchmark destination.
And from Fino Bar Restaurante, we wanted to do our part in the work of Alcalá Gastronómica alongside the rest of our colleagues in the sector. That’s why we have joined and made our debut by participating in the 9th Alcalá Gastronómica Contest. We’ll tell you all about it!
9th Alcalá Gastronomic Contest
The Alcalá Gastronomic Contest is an initiative that promotes high-quality gastronomy, considered a key economic driver for the city. This year it celebrates its ninth edition. Each year, Alcalá Gastronómica brings together more establishments, a sign of the importance of local gastronomy in attracting tourists.
On September 13, the dishes from the 20 restaurants that participated this year in the 9th edition of the Alcalá Gastronomic Contest 2023 were revealed, and on September 26, the Parador de Alcalá de Henares will host the awards ceremony for the 9th edition of the Alcalá Gastronomic Contest 2023.
For one week, the participating establishments in Alcalá de Henares offer our finest bites, an event to which both residents and visitors of our World Heritage City are invited.
We have two more important things to tell you: we are in the final with our tender braised beef cheek with Japanese curry and artichoke parmentier. And, in addition, another restaurant from our group will also compete for the award: Casino Alcalá, with its dish Crispy oxtail with truffled potato foam, red wine gel, and carrot emulsion.
Fino Bar Restaurante participates for the first time in the Alcalá Gastronomic Contest
The doors of our restaurant opened recently, but the warm reception from the public, our passion for cooking, and our love for our city have motivated us to take part in the 9th Alcalá Gastronomic Contest.
And since this is our first participation, we wanted to pay tribute to traditional, homemade cuisine—a best seller at Fino Bar Restaurante and a dish very present on our daily menus: tender braised beef cheek with Japanese curry and artichoke parmentier.
One of the most outstanding aspects of the cuisine at Fino Bar Restaurante is our focus on fresh, seasonal products. High-quality local ingredients are the foundation of our menu, and this is reflected in the freshness and flavor of each dish. That is what we aim to convey to the jury of the 9th Alcalá Gastronomic Contest and, of course, we hope to win them over with a tasting of our beef cheek. Wish us luck!
Beef cheeks, the star dish of Fino Bar Restaurante for the 11th Alcalá Gastronomic Contest
Fino Bar Restaurante masterfully blends Spanish culinary tradition with a contemporary and creative touch. Our gastronomic proposal is a delight for the senses, and our dishes are a reflection of our passion for high-quality cuisine.
Tender braised beef cheek is a true delicacy that delights meat lovers with its exquisite flavor and its tender, juicy texture. This dish, which has gained popularity in fine dining and restaurants around the world, is a perfect example of how time and patience can transform a cut of meat into a culinary delight.
The secret of tender braised beef cheek lies in the choice of cut. Beef cheeks are the muscles from the cow’s cheeks, which, due to their constant movement, are rich in collagen. This collagen, which can be tough if cooked quickly, breaks down slowly through a long, slow cooking process, such as stewing or braising. As a result, the meat becomes tender and develops a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The preparation process of tender braised beef cheek usually involves a prior marination, in which the meat is immersed in a mixture of red wine, aromatic herbs, and spices to enhance its flavor. It is then slow-cooked for several hours in a rich and flavorful sauce that develops as the collagen breaks down.
The final result is a dish where the beef cheek is so tender that it cuts easily and melts as you bite into it. The sauce, with its deep and complex flavors, perfectly complements the meat and adds an extra dimension of taste.
Tender braised beef cheek is traditionally served with accompaniments that vary depending on the region and the chef’s preference. On this occasion, we have chosen to present it with Japanese curry and artichoke parmentier. A true delight!
If you’re craving our contest dish, you’ll be able to enjoy it from September 18 to 24. Book your table!