In the up-and-coming area surrounding the Roig Arena, the establishment, founded by Jesús and Álex Balbaneda, father and son respectively, is revitalizing traditional hospitality. ‘Legado’ offers tapas with a fresh twist and lunches that pay homage to the owners’ heritage. It boasts extended hours, from Wednesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to midnight, with non-stop kitchen service.
The Quatre Carreres neighborhood is undergoing a remarkable urban revitalization, and the gastronomic sector is keeping pace, striving to provide residents with the best options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One of the places contributing to the area’s cohesion is Legado, a family-run establishment born with the mission of recapturing the essence of the classic neighbourhood bar, but with a modern flair. This idea of continuity resonates with the restaurant’s owners, Jesús and Álex Balbaneda, father and son, respectively. Hospitality experience and renewed energy come together in this new space, fueled by the family’s emotional legacy, both in the recipes they serve and in the names they choose.
Legado is located just a few minutes from the Roig Arena, at C/ Ángel Villena, 34. It’s an area undergoing rapid transformation, experiencing accelerated growth thanks to the arrival of the new multi-purpose pavilion. In this context, the restaurant presents itself as an essential meeting point before and after each event or match, including at the rugby field itself, located directly opposite. The new establishment is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to midnight, with the kitchen open all day, adapting to the events and matches at the aforementioned pavilion.
“My father saw an opportunity to continue growing in the hospitality industry, because he already has experience, and I joined the project. I’ve been training alongside him in other businesses, and now we wanted to do something together,” says Álex Balbaneda, still excited after the first few months of operation. The choice of location was a key factor in launching the project, “but also the enthusiasm for growing together; that was decisive in my father wanting to open Legado,” he adds. “During this time, we’ve grown much closer, and I’ve come to understand his day-to-day life much better.” He works a lot, so his time is very limited, but having a shared project allows us to be closer.”
The Legado dining room, which evokes a family tree in the background. The restaurant’s name wasn’t chosen at random, nor were some of the details reflected in its identity and interior design. To convey this message of family legacy within the space itself, the main dining room features a mural that abstractly represents a family tree. “We wanted to do something to convey what is passed down from generation to generation, and that is also reflected in the cuisine,” she explains. Classic offerings with a fresh twist.
Legado’s menu is designed for sharing, whether you’re sitting down for lunch with friends or grabbing a bite for lunch or dinner. The tapas are classic, but with a fresh and distinctive touch. Among the appetizers, the ajoarriero stands out: confit cod with potato and Mery sauce, served with toast. Or the croquettes, made in-house, among which the [unclear – possibly “croquette” or “croquette”] is a hit. Roast chicken, topped with sriracha mayonnaise; prawn and leek; or the classic ham. The tavern-style patatas bravas follow the same method: both the sauce and the aioli are homemade.
There are also very distinctive cold dishes, including cuttlefish with mayonnaise and trout roe, or tuna tartare with a fried egg and chili oil. These are classic tapas, but with a fun twist that makes them a little different and more modern.
The tavern-style patatas bravas are double-cooked, with brava sauce and homemade aioli.
They also have other interesting flavours such as the free-range chicken cannelloni, made with roasted garlic béchamel and a gratin of aged cheese, covered with a sprinkle of caramelized pistachios. Other noteworthy offerings at Legado are the 85% Duroc secreto (a type of pork shoulder) or the classic titaina (a potato and cod dish) with a poached egg and pine nuts. For dessert, there’s the pistachio torrija (a type of French toast). or the brownie with salted caramel ice cream maintain the relaxed vibe.
Lunches Honouring the Legacy
The name of the new bar in Quatre Carreres is no coincidence. Jesús and Álex were clear that the style, and also the menu, was an opportunity to honour their family legacy. And there was no better way than to name four of the lunches offered at Legado after Álex’s grandparents. A simple and beautiful culinary tribute. Emilia and Jesús are his paternal grandparents, and Antonia and Samuel are his maternal grandparents.
The four lunches are:
Emilia: beef, grilled ham, butter, and roasted garlic Antonia: beef, caramelized onion, bacon, cheese, and sriracha mayonnaise Don Jesús: cuttlefish with mayonnaise and Mery sauce Samuel: “The Blacksmith”: fried chicken thigh, roasted garlic, potatoes, and roasted green peppers.Legado’s lunches are sure to impress. They’re substantial and incredibly tasty. The sandwiches featuring Angus beef thigh and leg of lamb are particularly noteworthy, as they use these star ingredients to create the best sandwiches. Legado aims to be the go-to spot for lunch before Valencia Basket games at the Roig Arena or Les Abelles matches at Quatre Carreres. It also aspires to be the perfect meeting place to end the day with a casual dinner with friends or family.
Furthermore, Legado is quickly establishing itself as the neighborhood’s go-to spot for group lunches and dinners. The bar designs custom menus to suit the client’s needs, taking into account the number and type of guests. Sandwiches, gildas (a type of pintxo), and a selection of canned goods and charcuterie are just some of the options available for these types of events. In addition, Legado offers a private space for up to 22 people, ideal for business meetings, courses, or conferences, complete with a television. It’s worth noting that groups of up to 50 people can dine at the establishment, which will soon begin organizing unique activities such as wine tastings, in addition to its regular services. This is how Legado was born and is now consolidating its presence in the Quatre Carreres neighborhood. Álex and Jesús Balbaneda are an example of how businesses can be born and thrive with a father and son at the helm. A family legacy that unites with gastronomy.
Report by ’24/7 Valencia’ team
Article copyright ’24/7 Valencia’
LEGADO GASTROBAR
d’Ángel Villena, 34,
Quatre Carreres
46013
València
MORE ABOUT LEGADO
Website: https://legadogastrobar.es/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legado.gastrobar
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