You will have already been able to see, just by looking at the agenda, that Autumn is increasingly establishing itself as a golden time for wedding celebrations.Spring, already saturated with events, is giving way to autumn, and there are many reasons for this.
Temperatures are less extreme, and although there's always a chance of rain, that encourages outdoor celebrations. Autumn in the south is warm, which is a competitive advantage for the wedding industry, extending its peak season into October and mid-November.
For us, once summer is over, fall It offers an opportunity to renew inspiration and continue working: because these months are full of seasonal products that open up a new range of possibilities for working and being creative in the kitchen. Garden produce such as artichokes, asparagus, eggplants, apples, spinach, nuts… A palette of flavors that Alfonso Catering squeeze every last drop to offer an impeccable seasonal menu.
Whether it's a midday or evening banquet, Alfonso Catering has devised an elegant and avant-garde menu that, despite being made with seasonal products, stands out for its quality and excellent execution.
We all know that at the Feria, you go to eat and drink until you burst. But if it's your first time experiencing one of these unique Andalusian spring celebrations, we've put together a list of 10 things you absolutely must try during this festive week that brings the main cities and towns of the Jerez region to a standstill. These are traditional and exquisite dishes that will make this festival yet another excuse to treat your stomach. At Alfonso Catering, we're always on the side of promoting and celebrating local, traditional cuisine: and here's our small culinary tribute to the gastronomic essentials of any self-respecting Feria.
1. There must be plenty of wine
If this region is known worldwide for anything, long before motorcycling, it's for its wines, which form an inseparable trio with equestrian culture and flamenco. At our fairs, you can take the opportunity to sample all the varieties of sherry that you'd struggle to find anywhere else in the world or even in Spain. You can't leave without trying the famous rebujito: a very refreshing mix of fino or manzanilla sherry with lemon-lime soda, ice, and sometimes mint. It's perfect for soothing the dust in your throat so you can keep singing. If your commitment to tradition is strong, then we invite you to try the olorosos and palo cortado, wines with much more body and aroma, but undoubtedly spectacular when paired with the local cuisine.
2. Potato omelet, at any time of day
The quintessential symbol of all Spanish cuisine, but which finds its bastion of glory at the fair: everyone eats potato omelet, every day, at all hours… Why? Because it is a simple and filling dish that you will surely need in the middle of the exhaustion of dancing sevillanas.
3. A tripe stew with chickpeas, the most substantial on the list
It doesn't matter if you're having lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack. You'll probably end up eating this stew at times you'd never think of outside of the fair. The reason is that this dish, of humble origins, is delicious and, why not say it, helps combat the effects of alcohol.
4. Fried peppers, if they are goat horn peppers, are best.
In this part of Andalusia, there's a variety of green pepper called "goat's horn" (because they're thin and twisted, like a goat's horns), which are served everywhere. Fried in plenty of oil and sprinkled with a handful of salt as soon as they come out of the fryer, with a piece of bread and the pepper in hand, they make an unmissable snack during the Feria.
5. Paella, with apologies to the Valencians
Although any self-respecting Valencian wouldn't call the same rice dish "paella," the truth is that on some days and at some stalls, you can find freshly made paella. With the heat, paella is perfect, and with the excellent seafood from our coast, you're sure to find a bad one.
6. Dressed potatoes, a classic since the 30s
In this region, "papas aliñás" are made with a unique recipe. Variations of this potato salad exist throughout Andalusia, but none are quite like the ones made here: this humble cold starter traces its origins back to the Spanish Civil War, when potatoes were cheap and plentiful, canned tuna was readily available, and onions were also common. The recipe now also includes hard-boiled egg and chopped fresh parsley. And believe us, they go perfectly with a cold beer or a rebujito (a sherry-based cocktail).
7. Chicken tenders, an easy and delicious dish for the little ones
Chicken strips, or marinated and breaded chicken strips, are the Andalusian version of the American version.NuggetsIt's proven that most children love it, and it's an easy way for them to try these fairground foods too.
8. Sea anemones, delicacies from the seabed
It's true that you won't find them at every stall, nor every day, as it depends on whether they're available at the market that day. It's very important that the sea anemones are as fresh as possible, so if you're craving them, you might not find them. Sea anemones are a type of anemone that are usually eaten deep-fried as an appetizer. However, if you can't find them, you can order any other type of fried fish, such as marinated fish, cuttlefish, shrimp fritters, anchovies, or fish roe.
9. The little mountain boy, the ultimate from the southern sandwich
Bread, grilled pork loin (or chicken), fried pepper, a slice of tomato, and a slice of ham. In its Jerez version (which differs from the Seville version because it doesn't include aioli or a French omelet), the serranito is a reliable ally against hunger that you can enjoy sitting or standing. And its combination of ingredients, although simple, is delicious.
10. Cold and hot
Soups, both hot and cold. If you arrive at the fair feeling hot, there's nothing you'll crave more than a nice, refreshing gazpacho. You'll find it at most of the stalls, and it's usually homemade with local ingredients. There's nothing better for beating the heat than this classic cold soup. On the other hand, if you're looking to settle your stomach, we recommend a warm broth. And that's the perfect way to wind down at the fair.