Sixteen-year-old culinary student Martina Giurgi, representing El Truc restaurant, secured the top prize at the Josep Maria Morell 'De la nostra terra al plat' competition in Balaguer, Lleida, yesterday. The contest focused on finding the best sandwich in the Ponent region. Giurgi's winning entry featured rabbit tongue sausage, accompanied by a rabbit and snail sauce, Jerusalem artichoke, and charcoal-smoked bread.
Giurgi expressed her satisfaction with the award, stating it encourages her to continue her innovative culinary work. The competition drew approximately 450 visitors to the Gust de Lleida stand at the Balaguer venue, according to organisers.
Other Culinary Recognitions
The second prize in the sandwich category went to Santi Aubach of Lo Lleidatà. His sandwich combined charcoal-grilled snails infused with orange blossom honey and muscatel, alongside roasted aioli and charcoal bread.
In a separate honey competition, Maria Capdevila was crowned 'Queen of Honeys' for her rosemary honey. This particular honey had previously received recognition in other categories. Capdevila, a beekeeper from Berguedà, viewed the award as an acknowledgement of the sector's efforts to highlight beekeeping.
Positive Outcome for Fira Q
Fira Q, the event hosting these competitions, concluded yesterday with positive feedback regarding both public attendance and sales reported by various exhibitors. The mayor, Lorena González, noted that discussions had taken place with participants to gather their suggestions for improvements in the next edition. Jordi Verdú, vice-president of the Economic Promotion Board, officially closed the event. More than 450 people visited the Diputació's Gust de Lleida stand during the fair.
