Alberto Ferruz and Claudio Mengual, awarded by ARX, at its annual gala

The Association of Restauradores de Xàbia (ARX) held, on Tuesday night, its XII annual Gala at the Parador de Turismo de Jávea, which this year celebrates its 50 anniversary. In the act, the Association made public the recognitions to the most outstanding gastronomic professionals.

The winners in this 2017 were Bodas Carrascal Chozas with the award of collaborating company, since this Bodega participates in various events of Xàbia bringing the best wines.

The recognition of all life in the kitchen was for the chef of the Carrasco salons, Claudio Mengual. Another of the awards was for Pepe Vidal of the CDT, in recognition of the institutional collaboration in training with the Association of Restauradores de Xàbia.

Also, the award for recognition for his professional career and promotion of Xàbia gastronomy internationally, was for the chef, Alberto Ferruz, Bon Amb Restaurant, which has two Michelin stars.

For his part, the President of the ARX, José Manuel Piña, highlighted the diversity that exists in Jávea to call tourism: gastronomy, landscape, etc. Given this, Piña said that "We want to turn Xàbia into a permanently gastronomic destination." The president added that the Association supports the business institutions, "and from the entity, we reflect on what we are doing and what we can do together, we are united by the gastronomy".

El Mayor of Xàbia, José Chulvi, closed the gala stating that "Both Xàbia and the Marina Alta are gastronomic references and it is not about having the best restaurants, but you have to be comxicotetive while still being supportive."

The mayor stressed that "We want Xàbia to be an international benchmark, but not in any way, but with a policy of balance and sustainability." Chulvi made reference to the certificate Biosphere, and the capacity for intelligent tourism. In addition, the mayor showed the Association the support they have had from the town hall.

The event ended with the performance of a magician, who left everyone in awe with their tricks and with the raffle in which they raffled two nights at the Parador and a lunch or dinner at some of the restaurants of the ARX.