Amstel has partnered with one of the young stars of Spain's national cuisine, Joaquín Baeza Rufete, Chef of the Year in Spain, to create the world's first fruit caviar. CABIAR (With a B) is a tribute to figs (or 'bacores', as they are called in Valencia), one of the most characteristic ingredients for traditional recipes prepared during the Bonfires of San Juan, in Alicante.
An original creation which is part of a campaign from Amstel aimed at promoting these festivities, and which has been presented at Atocha station, in Madrid, which connects the capital with Alicante in just over two hours.
Hundreds of people had the chance to taste the CABIAR and receive some information about the spirit of these festivities; an ancient rite in Alicante celebrated from 19 to 24 June, bringing art to the streets of the city with stunning cardboard monuments, marching bands with more than 2,000 musicians, firework displays and regional costumes.
"We wished to give homage to the value of a festival that turns simple elements such as a bonfire into a beautiful monument, nearly 30 metres high, filled with humour, imagination and creativity," said the Regional Director for Institutional Relations of HEINEKEN Spain, Pablo Mazo. "So we decided to keep that spirit, and where others only see fruit, we see a delicacy, a real treat, and this has allowed us to create the world's first fig caviar."
To achieve this, the creativity and culinary mastery of Rufete Baeza have been essential. "The idea was to give a new look and add to the spectacle that characterises The Bonfires of San Juan." So he made an unusual recipe, which offers the same look and texture of classic Russian caviar, but surprisingly keeping the flavour and sweetness of figs.
Clara Casanova, Marketing Manager of Amstel, has announced that the brewery has prepared 300 kilos of this delicacy, presented in tins similar to the ones used with classic caviar. On 20 June, when an 'Alicante lunch' traditionally takes place, 30,000 people will have a chance to taste the free CABIAR with each Amstel purchased at 100 bars and restaurants of Alicante.