November is here, and in the vegetable garden, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and the first artichokes take center stage; in L’Albufera, the new crop of rice; and at the fish markets, as is customary, fresh fish.
Along with these seasonal delicacies, it’s time to celebrate an event that has become a tradition on the calendar of any foodie: Cuina Oberta.
From November 5 through the 15th, 81 restaurants will serve special menus under the slogan “València, Despensa del Mediterráneo” (Valencia, Pantry of the Mediterranean)—a perfect fit, since the local cuisine draws on the bounty of its surroundings.
It's always nice to see new faces at the table.
In this edition, 11 restaurants are participating in Cuina Oberta for the first time: Amancaes, Arrocería L’Estibador, Clem Café, Colmado de la Lola, Félix Chaqués Restaurant, La Ferrera, Las Tenerías, Linaje Casa Paco Gómez, No Bar, Pago de Tharsys, and Pasqual & Sheila on Avenida de Francia.
So if you’re the type who goes to festival after festival, now you have an excuse to stray from your usual route: try a new one!
What hasn’t changed are the prices. All set menus include an appetizer, main course, and dessert, and the usual rates remain in effect, with drinks sold separately:
62 restaurants with set menus at €28 for lunch and €36 for dinner
11 gourmet restaurants—recognized by the Repsol Guide, the Michelin Bib Gourmand, or the We’re Smart Green Guide—at €48 and €56
If there's one thing that has become increasingly important with each edition, it's experiences.
This time there are 32 entries, submitted by 23 participants—nearly twice as many as in the previous edition.
Do you like to roll up your sleeves? You can learn how to make Valencian paella, fideuà, sushi, or fresh pasta, put together San Sebastián-style pintxos, or make your own Agua de València.
Would you rather go straight to the source? There are tours of local farms to discover how tiger nuts are grown and how horchata is made, as well as tours of vineyards and wineries.
Are you more of a taster? Wine, whiskey, and specialty coffee tastings await you.
Time to treat yourself? There are exclusive tables for just a few diners, menus with commentary from the kitchen, and afternoon tea with signature desserts.
And the list goes on with a masterclass to master cutting and grilling txuletón, a course to discover Asian pantry staples, an immersion in the world of vegetables and mushrooms, or the charity potato omelet contest.