In the run-up to spring, camellias bloom and with them comes the gastro-floral event of the Queen of the Atlantic Garden.
The Camellia Tapas Route, is promoted and organized by the hotel association and tourist initiatives of Vilagarcía, (AHITUVI) which has summoned a total of 11 hospitality establishments in the town to develop creative and unique tapas.
During the next days 13, 14 and 15 of March, the catering establishments attached to the event will offer their customers and visitors edible pseudo-japonica elaborations that will not leave anyone indifferent.
For an amount of € 1,5 the visitor will be able to discover the exciting world of camellia now from the pleasure of tasting its varieties in the form of an aperitif.
The event is presented as a complement to the activities related to the celebration in the Atlantic town of the International Camellia Competition, which will take place on those days at the convention center Fexdega.
Native to Southeast Asia, China and Japan, it groups more than 200 species and is one of the most beautiful plants or shrubs due to its explosion of color in pre-spring times in the humid areas of the northeast of the peninsula.
Its introduction in Europe came from the hand of a Jesuit religious called or known as “Camellius“, Which exported it from the Philippines more than 4 centuries ago and which came to our land to stay and become an almost autochthonous species of Atlantic Galicia.
To honor its brilliance, the cooks and chefs of the restaurants and bars participating in the event will prepare:
- Japanese Giants, based on red tuna with rice and bathed in aromatic oil,
- Tartlets cream of cachelos with turnip greens and octopus washed down with the infusion of camellia petals.
- Chicken cap based on camellias with the fruit of the vine, honoring the very common farming species in these parts.
- Red pepper stuffed with meat with béchamel sauce and decorated with a camellia oil reduction, to also honor the indigenous bovine of the land.
Floral art at the service of Galician gastronomy that combines perfectly with the wines of the land, the cradle of Albariño and therefore the best ally to accompany these exquisite culinary creations of the Vilagarcianos hoteliers.