The Flavor of Our Land: The Poem on Our Wall
If you are reading this, your curiosity has led you to scan the QR code on our wall. Welcome to the essence of Valencian gastronomy!
The poem that presides over our dining room is a tribute to local produce, simplicity, and the happiness of sitting around a table. Here is its story:
1. What does the poem mean?
The original text is written in Valencian, our regional language:
- Valencià (Original): “Res no m’agrada tant / com enramar-me d’oli cru / el pimentó torrat, tallat en tires. / cante, llavors, distret, raone amb l’oli cru, / amb els productes de la terra.”
English: “Nothing pleases me as much / as dressing with raw olive oil / the roasted pepper, cut into strips. / I sing, then, distracted, I reason with the raw oil, / with the products of the land.”
2. Who is the author and why is he important?
The author is Vicent Andrés Estellés (1924-1993), widely regarded as the great innovator of contemporary Valencian poetry and one of the most influential Mediterranean writers of the 20th century.
Estellés did not write about distant heroes; he wrote about everyday life, the local countryside (la huerta), and, most importantly, the pleasure of simple food. He had the unique ability to turn a traditional recipe into a piece of art.
Its connection to traditional food and our “Esgarraet Toast”
In Valencia, gastronomy is a ritual. The poem describes an almost sacred act in local homes: roasting red peppers, peeling them, tearing them into strips by hand, and dressing them with a generous pour of olive oil.
The very process described by the poet is the foundation of one of our most iconic traditional dishes: the Esgarraet
At Restaurant Secret, we pay tribute to this classic by elevating it into a gourmet experience. We serve our traditional esgarraet over crispy toasted bread, seasoned with garlic and extra virgin olive oil, and crowned with a premium anchovy. The combination of the sweet roasted pepper, the savory touch of the anchovy, and the crunch of the bread creates an unforgettable bite. When you taste it, you are savoring the very same land and peacefulness that inspired the poet.
Enjoy your meal! / ¡Bon profit!
