A professional jury, within the framework of the ‘Bravas Fest’ event, determines that the recipe of the restaurant group –  including the restaurants Pelayo, Vaqueta and Baldo – perfectly balances tradition and innovation. ‘Bravas’ are not just a tapa, they are the tapa. The one that awakens our most animalistic appetite when it comes to the table, the centre of attention, the excuse to have a few laughs and the accompaniment to any chat, always together with a good round of beer. Well, at ‘Gastrotrinquet’ they knew that their recipe was delicious, only now they have just confirmed the immense potential of the dish. As part of Mahou’s Bravas Fest, an event held in the Jardines del Real throughout the weekend, the jury has determined that the restaurant group has the Best Bravas of Valencia among all those judged.

Gastrotrinquet’s bravas shine with their own light, according to the jury. And not just any jury, but three real experts in the recipe: Edu González of Bravas Barcelona, organiser of the country’s ‘brava’ festivals; Ana Valdés (@enjoybyana), the Valencian foodie who discovers the best gastro corners of the city; and the legendary Ricardo, from the legendary Bar Ricardo, where the most iconic potatoes in Valencia are served. It was they who, among the ten specialised restaurants that competed with their bravest dish, determined that first place should go to the group behind the restaurants Pelayo, Vaqueta and Baldo.

In the words of the organisers, Gastrotrinquet’s winning recipe stood out for its perfect combination of a unique sauce and the right point of cooking of the potatoes, “surprising its balance between tradition and modernity”. According to Ana Valdés (EnjoyVlc), “despite appearing at first glance to be a traditional bravas, they have a lot of complexity in each ingredient. The tomato, without a doubt, is the star; the balance of flavour and the sweetness/spiciness it adds is wonderful. What’s more, we loved the fact that they have three elements that are characteristic of bravas, but which we had never seen together: tomato sauce, aioli and the little oil with paprika. They are potatoes that you won’t get tired of ordering, because they have everything you expect from a good bravas”.

From Gastrotrinquet they express their immense joy for this new recognition, which they will be able to revalidate this week at the Madrid contest, which will be attended by the winners of the different local editions, as well as local restaurants in the city that will also join the championship. “Because our bravas are not just a tapa, they are the result of our passion for cooking, that touch of affection that we put into each dish”, says Pablo Margós, the group’s executive chef. It is worth remembering that the award is in addition to another very recent one, the latter in the Interior Design category, awarded by Hostelería Valencia to the city’s establishments. These are good times for this firm, which has just celebrated its seventh anniversary, and which wants to continue adding to its success with the local and visiting public.

From this week onwards, the bravas recipe will be available in the group’s three restaurants. It’s time to order this dish that always brings happiness and celebrate this award with the Trinquet family. Because, as we say around here, if it’s good… brava serà!

Where can you try them? In Casa Baldo – Calle de Ribera, 5; Vaqueta Gastro Mercat – Calle de Sant Ferran, 22; Pelayo Gastro Trinquet – Calle Pelayo, 7

Report by ‘24/7 Valencia’ team

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’