UP, UP & AWAY WITH QUIQUE DACOSTA

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UP, UP & AWAY WITH QUIQUE DACOSTA

By Margaux Cintrano
Photos supplied

Restaurant El Poblet

Three Michelin Stars

Centre Les Marines
Km 2.5
Dénia, Alicante
Reservations highly suggested:  96. 557. 4 1 7 9 

QUIQUE DACOSTA has been one of the skyrocketing new generation leaders of traditional  Spanish vanguard signature cuisine. In the last two decades, he has been experimenting and researching, for example, the uses of aloe vera plants in their embryonic stages.  He told me he did not know if aloe vera was even edible when he began his trials. It was simply a process of trial and error until he managed to create the delectably edible.  His investigative spirit has earned him global recognition, a host of awards and numerous Michelin Stars.

He totally understands that Spain´s current status is not due to chance. He is part of the 4th generation of  Spanish Chefs who embrace and expound gratitude for those who came before him.   Being at the very pinnacle of the vanguard epicurean movement, he continues breaking free, without boundaries, and his design aesthetics are all a part of Dacosta´s impeccable creations, including his re-engineering and transformation of the live sensations and aromas of surf and turf, utilising the most cutting edge marvelous products to  do so.

FACE TO FACE AT EL POBLET, DÉNIA, ALICANTE

Margaux:   Firstly, how would you describe your cuisine ?

QD:    Vanguard Spanish Cuisine.

Margaux:   Can you tell us about your summer ingredients?

Dacosta’s summer ingredients

QD:  Marine algaes, sea lettuces, sea urchins, albacore tuna, Dénia red prawns, almonds, oranges and  embryonic vegetables.  

Margaux:  Tell us about the early stages of your career.

QD:   By accident, I arrived in  Dénia, from Jarandilla de La Vera, Extremadura, to spend a summer vacation when I was fourteen.  I was terribly bored and did not know anybody. I decided to get a part time job at the local Pizzeria.  This had been my first contact with a restaurant. It was not exactly a culinary position, however, it sparked the flames of culinary interest. 

Margaux:   Tell our readership about your palate. 

QD:  I do not have a favorite dish or preferred flavor. I like just about all and am extraordinarily flexible and open minded.  

Margaux:  Tell us about your  Degustation Carte. 

QD:  The idea was initially very clear. I had reconstructed Montgo´s Nature Reserve, and the shore, that is to transform the live sensations utilising the extraordinary products and state of the art kitchen equipment.   

THE LATEST TASTER´s CARTE 

SNACK, CRACKLE & CRISP TOAST SNACKS:  Reggiano Parmigiano, Black Olives, Walnuts,  Greek Phyllo and Dried Fruit snacking crisps similar to a cracker, however, in a bread stick type format. 

Trufa Blanca de Montgo

TRUFA BLANCA DE MONTGÓ:   White truffles filled with Reggiano Parmigiano, fresh goat cheese and blended with white truffles and sprinkled with  five wild mushroom dust.

LA BRUMA:   Steamed baby embroyonic  snow peas, baby lima beans, aromatic herbs, pinenuts, sprouts in a steamed garden.

MOSHI:   Cockles, langoustines and pansies in sea broth. 

IMPRESIONISMO LA ROCA:   Fresh rock oysters and baby squid in gel format.

EXPRESIONISMO ROJO:   Inspired by Painter Mark Rotho, red mullet with saffron. 

Budding cherries with  pastry crumbs

DESSERT 1:   Budding cherries with pastry crumbs.

DESSERT 2:  Green melon, dried fruits and Mandarin smear.