Elche, Spain
From Michelin Guide
Chef Susi Díaz continues to reinvent herself, with the constant support of her husband and her children, as she continues her quest for home-inspired cooking that is teeming with personality, elegance, technique and, above all, passion. At La Finca, a restaurant with lots of charm in a rural setting, where the decor is urban-contemporary in style, traditional Alicante recipes evolve continually, thanks to a chef who recreates the flavours from this region with an added innovative twist. Her cuisine is full of deeply rooted influences and memories, taking full advantage of local ingredients, especially fish and seafood, to create visual surprises for guests, while incorporating aromatic herbs and organic flowers from her kitchen garden as a final touch. Order from the à la carte, create your own menu, or opt for the Origen tasting menu which comes in two formats (L and XL). There is a strong commitment to organic ingredients here, hence its support for the #PorElClima (For the Climate) community.
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique and unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant La Finca in Elche, highlighted by their titles:
1. "Traditional Alicante Recipes Evolve Continually"
La Finca is distinctive for its continuous evolution of traditional Alicante recipes, blending deep-rooted regional flavors with innovative twists. This approach allows the chef to recreate local flavors with creativity and modern techniques, making the cuisine both authentic and surprising.
2. "Incorporation of Aromatic Herbs and Organic Flowers from the Kitchen Garden"
A unique feature of La Finca is the use of aromatic herbs and organic flowers grown in its own kitchen garden. These fresh, organic ingredients serve as final touches to dishes, enhancing both flavor and presentation, and reflecting the restaurant's strong commitment to organic and sustainable practices.
3. "The Genisis L Menu: A 13-Course Culinary Journey"
La Finca offers an exceptional tasting experience called the "Genisis L menu," which is a 13-course meal designed as a symphony of flavors. This menu takes diners on a culinary journey through a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, showcasing local seafood, meats, and a decadent chocolate dessert that stands out as a memorable finale.
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant La Finca in Elche are:
Local Fish and Seafood: Chef Susi Díaz emphasizes fresh, local fish and seafood, especially the prized "Red Prawn from Santa Pola," which is served barely cooked to highlight its natural creamy juices and delicate flavor. This ingredient is central to the restaurant’s identity and features prominently in signature dishes.
Aromatic Herbs and Organic Flowers: Grown in the restaurant’s own garden, these are used as final touches to enhance dishes visually and aromatically, reflecting a commitment to organic and local produce.
Citrus Fruits: Also cultivated in the chef’s garden, citrus fruits accompany various meats and seafood, adding brightness and complexity to the dishes.
Sea Fennel and Wild Herbs: These local coastal plants add unique flavors and are part of the creative ingredient palette that Chef Díaz uses to evoke the essence of the Alicante region.
Pancetta and Truffle: Used in sophisticated combinations, such as a warm brioche topped with thin pancetta slices and truffle aroma, showcasing the chef’s skill in balancing rich and delicate flavors.
These ingredients are woven into innovative, elegant dishes that reinterpret traditional Alicante recipes with a modern twist, often presented in multi-course tasting menus like the "Genisis L" menu, which highlights the region's flavors through a creative culinary journey.