The Portolito Group restaurant connected over 100 guests at “Del mar al centro”, the gastronomic event where they presented their summer specialities. You don’t have to go to Malvarrosa to experience Valencia’s fresh sea breeze! Portolito Centro just released their new delicious rice menu, alongside a gorgeous terrace that’s sure to make you fall in love with the vibrant and beautiful food and culture of “País Valencià”. The meeting point, in collaboration with Teatro Principal de València, has modified its image (and flavour in part), incorporating various references to local rice vendors who are now staples in the city centre, rather than just the sea.

To celebrate this new era, Portolito Centro organised the “Del mar a centro” event last Thursday evening. The gastronomic event united more than 100 personalities from the media, tourism, and hospitality industries. The evening began at the renovated terrace at 13 c/de las Barcas and began inside the venue with a “showcooking”, a demonstration of rice dishes, music, and creative dynamics with “El maridaje sopresa” – the surprise pairing, and “El chef infiltrado” – the undercover chef.

In the first activity, various envelopes were hidden around the room, but only two contained prizes: a meal at Portolito Centro and a visit to Ramón Bilbao Winery (La Rioja). The second aimed to find the best chef in the room, in which they had to present their most original dish to win a specially designed apron… What’s your most original dish? The evening naturally flowed into a fluid networking event, with good vibes and delicious food!

The captivating murmur of the waves is encapsulated within the 10 varied options, paying homage to Valencian traditions, roots, and the Mediterranean lifestyle. “With these new changes, we want to reach more people, locals and tourists alike, who can enjoy the ‘beach-life’ that we live every day”, expresses Manu Ragull, CEO of the Portolito Group. The restaurant’s kitchen has also been reformed to give great service and offer a diverse variety of recipes at the same time. The rice dishes are divided into: “the land”, “the sea”, “the gardens” and “fideuás”.

The new options include: Confit duck rice with seasonal mushrooms and foie mousse – a flavourful creation that is sure to be talked about, Seafood paella – featuring scallops, Norway lobster, and rockfish – ideal for those who want to feel close to the sea without leaving the city centre. Also, you can savour Boletus rice with seasonal mushrooms, fava beans, tender garlic, and celery carpaccio – perfect for those who prefer a lighter, vegetable-forward rice dish; and last but not least, Seafood fideuá, showcasing half-shell scallops, king prawns, and rockfish.

All dishes are prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The non-stop menu also includes starters, tapas, and other mains. Standouts include BBQ Korean-style roasted rib doughnut, a playful trompe-l’oeil glazed with parmesan; Turbot with pil-pil sauce, served with sautéed spinach, tomato, and raisins; Citrus-infused brioche French toast with merengada ice cream for a sweet finish.

Cocktails with a vision, refreshing treats, well-deserved after a day in the Valencian summer sun! You may not be able to see the sea at this location, but you can certainly taste its essence amongst the iconic façade of Teatro Principal, just a stone’s throw away from Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Its side terrace on a pedestrian street provides the perfect Valencian terrace experience; relax and enjoy a wide selection of wonderful wines and classy cocktails in the heart of the city!

Refreshing cocktail options from this space include: Limoncello Spritz with limoncello, prosecco, and soda; Tropical Fiero with Martini Fiero, passion fruit purée, and mango; Portolito Colada with Bacardi, Passoa, coconut, pineapple, and passion fruit; and Mai Tai with Santa Teresa, Bacardi Carta Blanca, Falernum, Triple Sec, and lime. There are also classic cocktails, bold new creations, non-alcoholic options, and even smoothies.

The Portolito Group’s vision… paying homage to the city of Valencia – its light, colour, and climate. Currently operating several venues (Portolito Playa and La Mar (their latest opening) at Playa de las Arenas, Portolito Centro in the heart of the city, and Portolito Carmen in the emblematic El Carmen neighbourhood), each venue celebrates the beautiful relationship between land, sea, and local roots; in essence, the place where it all began: the Mediterranean.

Report by Elliot Fryatt

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’

Portolito Centro

Calle de las Barcas, 13

46002

Valencia

Spain

Instagram: @grupoportolito

Official Website: https://grupoportolito.com/