OPINION | Juan Legaz Palomares
Dear residents of Jávea, tourists, visitors, foreigners, and devoted lovers and enthusiasts, like myself, who recognize that loving Jávea as a whole entails a conglomeration of wonders, memories, encounters, festivities, gastronomyClean and beautiful sunrises, pleasant weather, friendship, understanding, and many moments of sweet embraces, as well as bright days, all united in a unique and special way of living happily, because in Jávea, people come to live and enjoy, not to suffer, as its inhabitants have practiced for centuries. In such circumstances and events, in addition to treasuring a history Overflowing with beauty and scenic attractions, this illustrious Alicante town, all these human and natural characteristics are accompanied by a kindness and enthusiasm that adorn it with hospitality and solidarity, and to top it all off - as the old folks of my youth would say - you can enjoy exquisite gastronomy, complemented by its rich and excellent fish and agricultural products, creating exquisite flavors that our digestive system appreciates.
It is within this pleasant gastronomic spectrum that I humbly wish to base my simple commentary today, upon reading the news published in this medium. due to the closure, after 65 years since the founding of the Cande Restaurant.
Emblematic, welcoming, friendly and with a long gastronomic history, whose origin and purpose began in the 60s
to adapt to offering food with exquisite flavors from those years, with products from the sea and the land at affordable prices, mainly for the workers who came to work from different parts of Spain, after the resurgence of the works that began in Jávea: Parador Nacional, expansion of the fishing and sports port and the Church of the Sea (Our Lady of Loreto) and other buildings of interest.
Cande offered hearty, nutritious, appetizing, and affordable meals, tailored to the budgets of the workers who had come from other places so they could save a few pesetas and improve their families' well-being. In fact, quite a few of the workers initially came for a short season. work And then they stayed to live there because they liked the atmosphere and it invited them to stay forever.
Fortunately, along with my wife Gabriela and our three children, I was blessed with a gift from heaven when I discovered Jávea (51 years ago, no less). Well, my wife, who spent part of her childhood in Jávea, has often told me, among many other stories from her childhood, that her aunt Antonia, wife of Paco 'Sopa', worked at the Hotel Venturo, along with Cande, the founder of 'Casa Cande'. When we visited Jávea, we would sometimes go there for lunch, and I would remind Cande of when she and her aunt worked at the Hotel Venturo. Naturally, stories and anecdotes from those times would come up—times that weren't easy, but certainly filled with camaraderie and happiness.
Later, Cande opened her simple restaurant with the help of her husband and, later still, with the contribution of her three charming daughters, Cande, Mari, and Paquita, who began helping in the business at a young age. The daughters then continued the family tradition, preserving the essence of the cuisine, although over time...
They evolved and modified some aspects to adapt to the new times without forgetting the tasty requirements they learned from mom.
The three sisters maintained the traditional flavors, although they added a few ingredients. However, their meals remained a delight, a treat appreciated by all, not only their regular customers but also more discerning diners who valued and appreciated the mouthwatering dishes such as fideuàs, paellas, fish from the Bay, and the flavorful stews cooked by Cande and later by her daughters.
I don't want to omit from my comment that, having visited and frequented Jávea for over 51 years, I knew Paqui's mother, her three sisters, and also her husband, José, nicknamed 'El Parrando,' a lifelong fisherman until his retirement. All of them, including him, are good friends, good people, always willing to please and do a favor or help anyone in need, regardless of the adversity. They are also loyal collaborators in all the festive events in Aduanas, and they foster friendship, harmony, and camaraderie among the neighbors.
Cande, Mari, Paqui and José 'El Parrando', with all due modesty, despite my literary clumsiness, and believing that you deserve a special tribute far more commendable than that of this poor narrator, which extols your extensive
An exemplary track record of hard work and love for culinary and fishing traditions, and a genuine connection with your customers for 65 years—I wish to contribute my small part. You are a true example of dedication and professional integrity. How many stories, anecdotes, and curiosities you must have accumulated in your culinary journey! This humble and simple customer, though a foreigner, wants to attest to and confirm the delicious meals with which you have delighted and satisfied my stomach for so many years, but above all, with kindness and pleasant service. Please forgive me if I haven't been able to fully express in this brief comment all the excellent praise you deserve for your dedication and service to the public for 65 years, but that's due to my literary clumsiness and because, with my advanced age, the few remaining neurons in my aging brain are already rusted.
Cande Restaurant is now part of Jávea's history. I assure you, I will miss your delicious dishes and exquisite flavors. Now, enjoy your well-earned retirement.
Thanks Cande, Mari and Paqui, a hug.
Thank you so much, Juan Legaz, for your kind words. It has been a true privilege and pleasure for us to have met so many people over these 65 years at our restaurant, Cande. They visited us, returned time and time again, and became more than just customers; they became part of our story. Thank you all for showing us that our affection is mutual. We will miss you all! Thank you so much.
The girls from Cande.