The coca de fira competition in ontinyent has successfully debuted its new professional format, which was held for the first time on a separate day from the main weekend of the fair. This initiative brought together 13 local hospitality establishments, marking the highest participation ever recorded, at an event held at the Textile Museum.
Among the attendees were Susana Caballero, the Vice President of the Valencian Generalitat, and Vicent Mompó, the President of the Valencia Provincial Council, both of whom praised the 'unbeatable' atmosphere of the competition and the appeal of ontinyent's culinary culture.
Jorge Rodríguez, the Mayor of ontinyent, expressed strong support for the change in date and format, stating that this adjustment was in response to requests from hospitality professionals. He remarked, 'It has been a success to change the competition's day. For some time, professionals have told us that it was better to separate the professional from the amateur event, keeping the latter on the Monday of the fair but moving the professional event forward. Indeed, we have had more participation than ever.'
The bar Jauja won the traditional coca category, receiving a prize of €800, while the restaurant El Taulell was awarded a €200 special prize in the innovation category. The dishes were evaluated through a blind tasting by a panel of experts, which included chef and communicator Jordi Morera, Santi Prieto from the restaurant 'La Cuina', Gonzalo Pertusa, baker and founder of 'Mòlt Obrador de Pa' in Valencia, and Antonio García from restaurant Stop 2 in ontinyent, the winner of the previous edition.
Natàlia Enguix, the Vice President of the Valencia Provincial Council and Councillor for Economic Promotion, highlighted the quality of ontinyent's gastronomy and the prominence that local establishments have gained in recent years, stating, 'The gastronomy of ontinyent, the restaurants and bars are of exceptional quality. They have transformed ontinyent in recent years and are the main players in such a traditional recipe as the coca de fira.'
The fourth edition of the competition will continue on Monday, 16 November, with the amateur category, starting at 12:00 in the car park of the Sala Gomis. Councillor for Fair, Festivals and Traditions, Àngels Muñoz, encouraged the public to join this second event, which is open to families, groups of friends, and cooking enthusiasts. Registrations can be made until Friday, 6 November, either in person at the town hall's entry register or at civic centres and the Casa del Delme.
Muñoz also invited the public to visit the competition space on the day of the event, both to participate and to enjoy the atmosphere and the dishes presented. The amateur category will also feature a blind tasting and will offer cash prizes, gift cards, and vouchers provided by the town hall, Comercio IN, and the Ontinyent Hospitality Association (AHVAL).
