Source: Information Newspaper
José García Lorente received the Golden Fork, the highest award given by the Torrevieja and Region Hotel and Catering Association, which held its 38th brotherhood dinner in a local restaurant. García Lorente was thus rewarded for his career at the head of the Mesón de la Costa, an establishment founded in 1989, although his career began earlier, as he has also worked in restaurants such as the Balneario de Archena, the Cortijo de Campoamor, the Nautilus and the kitchen of the Hotel Fontana.
Beforehand, the president of the Association, José Antonio Lozano, gave a moderately vindictive speech, taking advantage of the presence of authorities such as the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, and the provincial deputy for Tourism, Joaquín Albaladejo.
Lozano defended the hotel and catering industry as one of the main driving forces of a tourist town like Torrevieja, and demanded the maximum possible collaboration from the authorities in both words and deeds.
He also urged his colleagues to cultivate a "meritocracy" and to fight tirelessly to ensure that in these difficult times we think not only of rights, but also of our own obligations.
For his part, Dolón took up the gauntlet and praised the vindictive nature of Lozano's words, predicting that there will be no lack of affection or economic support for the local hospitality industry, recalling that demands such as the creation of a distinctive product, included in the Torrevieja Gastronomic brand, have already been met.
Other distinctions were also awarded. The Honorary Member award went to José Andréu Pérez, the "Faraúte", of the Hotel Villamadrid and precursor of the Centro de Iniciativas Turísticas, whose next challenge is to build a 4-star hotel in the municipality.
Likewise, Cayetano Pérez, from Camarote y del Mango de La Mata, was awarded the "Coctelera de Plata", a category that distinguishes the pubs, while the Aitana cafeteria won the "Bandeja de Plata" award, a category that highlights the good work of the members of the Association.
A special mention went to the French chef Gerard Michel, who, having worked in prestigious kitchens, now teaches cooking at the town's Tourism Centre. There was also recognition for the 2013 collaborating company, which went to Cafés Esparcia.
The evening ended with a performance by local mariachis and a raffle with prizes such as trips among the associates. Likewise, a beer brand collaborating with the event gave the winner of the Golden Fork award a giant screen and a trip to Madrid to visit the brewery where their beer is produced.