THE VALENCIAN INFLUENCER NAOMI ASENSI SURROUNDS HERSELF WITH HER CLOSEST FRIENDS AT 'VAQUETA RESTAURANT' TO CELEBRATE HER ‘CUMPLEAÑOS’

The winner of ‘Gran Hermano VIP 8’ chose the central Valencia venue, a part of the ‘Gastro Trinquet Group’, for a Saturday launch on July the 12^th, attended by well-known names in the influencer space such as Carmen Alcayde, Jorge Cyrus, Claudia Martínez, and Raulo Teroc. The renowned influencer Naomi Asensi chose the Valencian restaurant Vaqueta Gastro Mercat to mark a milestone occasion, her 30^th birthday! Although her actual birthday was on July the 9^th, she decided to celebrate on Saturday, the 12^th, enjoying a delicious lunch at the centrally-located Valencian restaurant with her close friends.

The winner of Gran Hermano VIP 8 and former contestant on the season of La Isla de las Tentaciones wanted to savour a selection of the best Valencian cuisine, for which this restaurant is well known. As shown in a photo posted on the Restaurant’s Instagram, the lunch was attended by various influencers and prominent personalities such as Carman Alcayde, Ceci (La Cuchillos), Lydia Lady, Raulo Teroc, Jorge Cyrus, Claudia Martínez, Karmen Lorente, and Albert Infante, among other close friends of Naomi.

Naomi became part of the Vaqueta team, too! One of the most entertaining moments of the lunch came when Naomi truly became the star of the restaurant. At one point, she went from being a diner to putting on her chef’s hat to help prepare part of the paella valenciana that crowned the celebration. Demonstrating her passion and enthusiasm for connecting with the cuisine of her homeland, the influencer didn’t hesitate to put on an apron and cook for her friends, who shared this fun moment with their dedicated viewers on their social media.

Carefully thought-out interior design and aesthetics provided the perfect Instagramable lunch! One of the factors that led Naomi to choose this Valencian restaurant was its incredible interior design. The full renovation and interior styling of Vaqueta is the work of the Valencian architecture and design studio Janfri&Ranchal. Highlight includes a hand-painted vaulted ceiling reminiscent of the interiors of traditional village homes in the Valencian Community. Sprinkled throughout are references to pilota valenciana, the region’s traditional sport, as well as numerous ceramic snails (vaquetas), created by Alicante-based El Taller de Piñero, which are scattered around the dining room.

A special mention goes to the KOI lamp LZF (winner of the Spanish National Design), crafted from wooden slats and evoking the national construction methods of fallas. Not to be overlooked are the delicate natural embroideries by Arquicostura, subtly decorating the walls and evoking local customs. This comprehensive approach earned the Grupo Gastro Trinquet the Valencia Hospitality Design Award in October 2024, recognising their meticulous attention to architectural, creative, and cultural details.

Vaqueta Valencia is truly a must-visit culinary landmark! Vaqueta Gastro Mercat specialises in Mediterranean cuisine, with a clear focus on bringing traditional Valencian recipes into the present day. Located in Plaza del Mercado, the restaurant sources fresh, local ingredients daily. Its menu is varied, offering shared plates such as the award-winning bravas, recognised as the best in Valencia at ‘Bravas Fest 2024’ and the ‘Bunyol de l’Albufera de València’, named the Best Tapas Dish 2025! Of course, the rice dishes, conceptualised by the executive chef Pablo Margós, stand out among high-quality grilled meats and fish as main courses.

Grupo Gastro Trinquet, founded in 2017, is a Valencian gastronomic project aiming to blend tradition, culture, and design in its dining concepts. Currently, it operates three iconic venues: Pelayo (Valencia’s Historic Trinquet), Vaqueta Gastro Mercat opposite the Central Market, and Casa Baldo, a tribute to classic café-terraces, where contemporary gastronomy thrives on local products, the spirit of pilota valenciana, and collaborations with artists, artisans, and interior designers.

Report by Elliot Fryatt

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’