No matter how tiny a place is when its gastronomy is big enough to delight the palates of the most enthusiastic foodies. The gastronomic wonders of Sant Pol de Mar (Barcelona) were on showcase at the 5th Gastronomic Fair of Sant Pol de Mar (5ª Mostra Gastronòmica de Sant Pol de Mar) on 15-16 June 2018, to surprise both locals and visitors with delicious flavours and fresh local produce.
The event, organised by the Department of Economic Development, Trade and Fairs of the Municipality of Sant Pol de Mar and held annually at the Parc del Litoral in Sant Pol de Mar, gathered twenty among restaurants, establishments, bakeries and producers from the gastronomic scene of the village and placed itself as a must-visit venue for those who look for high-quality, local specialty food, combining culinary tradition and innovation with the best fresh, seasonal ingredients that the local sea and land can offer.
A great example of how a small rural village can raise gastronomy standards and expectations, the Fair aimed to promote local cuisine and short-chain food products to increase awareness of Sant Pol de Mar’s gastronomy within the wider coastal region of the Maremse (Catalonia) of which the village forms part.
The event was inaugurated by the Mayoress of Sant Pol de Mar and European Region of Gastronomy Ambassador, Montserrat Garrido Romera who expressed her gratitude for the great effort that local restaurants, food and wine producers and providers put into the continuous promotion and enhancement of the village’s gastronomy, highlighting the high-quality standards of the local culinary offer.
Attendees had the chance to taste a great variety of dishes ranging from Fideuà and Arròs negre, to sardines, squids, codfish carpaccio and home-made croquettes with local fish, meat or vegetables. A wide offer of desserts from the area completed the picture, with a spotlight on the renowned local strawberries, undisputed protagonists of the event, served raw, as mousse, ice-cream or marmalade. During the two days, the public was entertained with wine and beer tastings, music performances and activities for children.
Participating establishments included: Restaurant Gran Sol; Banys Lluís; Can Talamàs; El Molí; Sot del Morer; Xaloc/L’Escaleta; Margot; Voramar; El Trencall; Nou Grimal; El Crostó; Melmelades Calada; Sauleda Càtering i Pastisseria; Banys Tarridas; La Casa Nostra; strawberry producers Fruites i verdures Codina and Can Giralt; Les Barques; Milola; Celler Can Roda winery; and Ginebra Nut, from Empordà region.
The event was organised in collaboration with: the Diputació de Barcelona (Barcelona Provincial Council); the University College of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts (EUHT StPOL), that offered a welcome cocktail to all attendees; El Crostó bakery; the DO Alella Consortium, which promotes wine tourism in the area; the Celler de Can Roda; the brewing company of Montseny, producing local handcrafted and natural beers; and Estrella Damm.
The Municipality of Sant Pol de Mar hosts IGCAT’s offices and is one of the main supporters of the Institute, who was officially invited to attend the event to further consolidate the existing cooperation.
About IGCAT
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012 working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT founded the Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the European Regions of Gastronomy Platform. The Institute has also developed the European Young Chef Award, the Local Food Gift Challenge, the Top Food Experiences of the Year and the Food Film Festivals project.