Vicent Pascual, owner of De Sabors in Altea, has been crowned Spain’s best ice cream maker at Benidorm’s prestigious international competition. Pascual’s winning creation, a gianduja-hazelnut flavor, followed a previous victory in the mango category, further solidifying his reputation in the culinary world.
Pascual’s family-run ice cream shop, located on Calle Sant Miquel, has been a local favorite since it opened in 2011. The shop, situated in his parents’ former town house, has become renowned for its artisanal approach to ice cream. Despite the variety of flavors offered, it’s the mango ice cream that remains the bestseller. “We sell more mango than chocolate. It’s incredible,” says Pascual, highlighting the flavor’s overwhelming popularity.
This year, Pascual stepped up to lead his team in crafting the award-winning gianduja-hazelnut ice cream. The victory has attracted even more visitors to the quaint Marina Baja location, where tourists and locals alike flock to enjoy his creations. “It’s a laboratory to play in,” Pascual reflects, describing his ice cream parlor, which operates year-round.
Pascual’s passion for ice cream is rooted in childhood memories of baking with his grandmother, and his journey to mastering the craft includes training with Valencia’s Pastry Guild, as well as honing his skills in Belgium and Paris. This blend of French techniques and local traditions has allowed him to offer a unique product that resonates with a cosmopolitan clientele, particularly French and British expats who frequent the picturesque town.
“Pastry’s a universal language,” Pascual notes, emphasizing that while tradition forms the foundation of his work, it is innovation that drives his success. Everything at De Sabors is made in-house, from crunchy-coated cones to the inventive MacGlacé—ice cream sandwiched between two macarons. Even during the winter months, Pascual keeps his customers coming back with a tempting array of sweet treats.
With this latest accolade, Pascual’s De Sabors has become more than just an ice cream shop; it’s a destination for dessert lovers in Altea and beyond.
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