We decided to try something different and hosted a Tapa competition. We invited 10 couples to participate in the event which we held at our apartment.
We selected three judges in advance for the competition which were not known by the participants.
The judges Felipe, Sonya and Marcelo sampling one of the tapas
Each competitor had to make enough tapas (23) in total for everyone to enjoy a sample. They also had to have 3 tapas plated for the judges. The judges scored the tapa based on taste, presentation creativity and the pairing of a wine or other beverage.
Everyone enjoying the sampling of tapas
Everyone enjoyed trying the different tapas and sampling of wines. It was a very interesting event because we had people from multiple countries around the word. There were Spanish, Welsh, English, Scottish, American, Argentinian and Canadian competitors. Each one brought some unique twist to the Spanish “tapa”. Below are the tapa entries. Each one was unique and very tasty.
The winner was selected by the judges and determined that Tapa Number 7 won the competition. Janice was awarded the Tapa trophy and the official tapa apron for “The best Tapa in 2018”
Janice with her trophy and Tapa apron
It was a very enjoyable and fun time with friends.
We went for a walk and came across a wine and liquor store called “Bernardino”. The store is located on a narrow side street in our neighborhood. The place looked interesting so we went inside to check it out.
Shelley checking out the different wines
The inside of the store was lined with rows of unique liquors, beers, and wines. We walked through the rows looking at different types of items on display. We came across a section of local beers made in the Alicante region as well as other beers from around the world.
What was interesting was the selection of unique liquors and wines. We even came across the Crystal Head Vodka which is made in Canada by Dan Aykroyd and John Alexander.
Crystal Head Vodka made in Canada
Some other very interesting bottles included a crystal sail ship, which was beautiful.
Alcohol in unique designed bottles
There were other interesting types of liquor, including other skull bottles and even the devil was there.
Different alcohol containersCollection of the Devil alcohol
There was one type of wine called “Envidia Cochina” which translates to mean Jealous Envy. The label had an interesting story on it entitled “Eat your heart out” and an image of a naked woman going into the water with the devil. The story speaks of a Spanish saying “Envidia Cochina” and how it is used in Spain.
Envidia Cochina bottle of wine
The Store was also a Bodega which sold wine from barrels into different size bottles from 2 liters to 5 liters in size. We watched people come in and buy several 5 liter plastic containers and have them filled with different types of wine. They even sold small barrels of wine.
Wine sold in small wine barrels
We found the store very interesting and enjoyed walking around looking at the different products. This store was tucked away on a back street and we came across it, simply by chance.
On Tuesday evening we went out with friends to a quaint Spanish restaurant called “La Taberna Iberica”. The restaurant is in the old quarter of Alicante in a small alley up some stairs.
The walkway towards La Taberna Iberica Restaurant
Inside the restaurant, we were greeted by the owner who welcomed us more like family than customers. We sat down in the quaint restaurant and chatted with the owner for a while.
Inside La Taberna Iberica RestaurantMike, Ray Liz and Shelley at “La Taberna Iberica” Restaurant
We did not have a menu and only ordered some red wine. What was truly enjoyable was the fact that she decides what to cook and serves us a variety of different dishes.
One of the many courses served to us over the evening
We were served numerous courses of food, including tapas, fish, shrimp, ham, cheese and an assortment of sweet treats for dessert.
When we were leaving the restaurant she took the time to chat with us and walk with us to the door. It was a very nice spot and the service was friendly.
One of the owners of “La Taberna Iberica” Restaurant
After our meal, we took a walk and stopped at a terrace bar in a small hotel called “Les Monges Palace”. The terrace bar was quiet and we had a perfect spot to enjoy a nice after dinner drink. The view from the terrace was beautiful and we could see the Castillo de Santa Barbara.
View of the Castillo de Santa Barbara from the terrace bar
Friends of ours contacted us and wanted to go to a winery called Casa Cesilia with us. This winery is located in a small town called Novelda. We took a 30-minute drive to the town of Novelda and decided to check out the “Santuario de Santa María Magdalena” church before going to the winery.
The Santuario de Santa María Magdalena church on the hilltop in Novelda, Spain
The church is located on a hilltop high above the town of Novelda. The view from the church was breathtaking with a panoramic view of the town.
View from the Santuario de Santa María Magdalena church in Novelda, Spain
The church is in a “Gaudi” style and was built-in 1918 and was not completed until 1946. We walked around the church and admired the unique architecture.
Front doors of the Santuario de Santa María Magdalena in Novelda, Spain
Some of the stonework was crafted with unique curves and arches. There were designs built into the church by using different rock shapes and colours.
Notice the twisted stone column in the midst of the other church columns
We walked around the outside of the church admiring some of the features.
detailed corner section of the churchStained glass window above one of the doors
Unfortunately, the church was closed and we were not able to see the inside. After walking around the outside of the church we decided to relax on the patio of the restaurant then headed to the winery.
Ray, Mike, Liz and Shelley in front of the church before heading to the winery.
We arrived at the main gates of the winery which is situated in the valley below the Santuario de Santa María Magdalena church.
Giant vat at the entrance to the Winery
The Casa Cesilia winery was established in 1707 and has a long history of making excellent wines. We drove along the roadway which goes partly through some of the vineyards to the main facility.
Main building of the Casa Cesilia winery
There was beautiful landscaping around the building which is also the home of the owners of the winery.
Some of the landscaping outside of the winery
The view of the surrounding vineyard and mountains was also very impressive.
View from the winery
The main building was large and also had a restaurant and areas that were used for special events.
Restaurant area of the winery
One area which was neat was a wine cellar which special guest or VIP’s could go and enjoy a glass of wine. We could see the room through the glass floor in the restaurant area.
View of the wine cellar through the glass floor in the restaurant
We took a tour of the winery and saw some interesting aspects of wine making. It is hard to imagine that this family business has been running since 1707.
Some of the fermenting vats in the wineryOak barrels used in the wine making process
The tour took us to a beautiful covered patio area where we could stay in the shade and enjoy the view of the vineyard.
Shelley in the covered patio overlooking the vineyardPatio area near the vineyard
After the tour, we headed to the restaurant to sample some wines. Sitting at an oak barrel table we enjoyed some different wines.
Ray, Shelley, Liz and Mike have a sample glass of wine
We finished the day by having a great meal and another glass of wine before heading home. On the way to the car we stopped and took a look at the vines and grapes up close.
Ray in front of the rows of grapes in the vineyard.Some of the grapes used in the making of the wine.
It was an interesting and enjoyable day and well worth going to see.
Last night we went to the “6th FASCV Sparkling Wines Bubbles Party” held in Alicante. The event was part of the InterNations activities held each month. The party was held at the Isla Marina, which is a beautiful restaurant and marina on the coast of the Mediterranean sea.
We registered at the entrance and paid our 5 euros to receive a sparkling wine glass for a free sample drink and our name tag. This was to allow us to try one glass of champagne for free. The person doing the registration could not find our names on the list so he added them and gave us two “name Tags” with the word “Professional” on it. Well, it turns out that having the “professional” name tag provided access to all the champagnes for free.
Our name tag which allowed for unlimited free champagne
Off we went to check out the more than 20 producers of sparkling, champagne, cider and other wines. We met up some of our friends from the group and tried a glass of champagne.
Ray and Shelley with InterNations group
After sampling a glass of champagne we headed to the sitting area near the water to enjoy the scenery. We found a beautiful spot to sit and relax.
Ray and Shelley enjoying the view of the Mediterranean sea
The view from our table was spectacular allowing for a complete view of the sea.
view from out table
Our friends gathered at the table and we had a great time chatting about all kinds of different things.
Our group sitting at the table
One of the items we chatted about was the use of the “abanico de mana” which is Spanish for “hand fan” . They are very popular in the Spanish culture and most of the women at the event had an abanico de mana with them.
Abanico hand fanShelley with some of the group
We had a great spot and stayed there for most of the evening only heading out to refill our glass or to get some tapas. There was a selection of different tapas which we could buy for three euros.
Tapas for sale at the event
We tried different types of Spanish wines and champagnes including Caves Mestres, Gramona, Juvé & Camps and a few others. Each vendor had an area on display.
One of the vendors displaying her selection of wines
We stayed until 11 pm and enjoyed the event. The weather was hot and there was a nice breeze from the sea. We then headed home by taxi with our wine glasses in hand.
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