Moroccan Chef’s Valladolid Restaurant Earns Prestigious Repsol Star

The Repsol Guide has recently awarded a total of 350 stars to hotel establishments in city centers, offering the best services and dishes. Five restaurants in Valladolid, including Bar La Alhambra, have received this distinction. "Exotic cuisine and Arab style in the center of Valladolid. Specialty is the delicious skewers. The very personal tomato vinaigrette is optimal to accompany the meat," the establishment is described in the Repsol Guide.

Located at the entrance of Esgueva Street, Bar La Alhambra opened its doors 13 years ago, in 2010. Its owner, Abdelhakim Essalhi Jilai, 50 years old, of Moroccan origin, arrived in Valladolid 33 years ago. "I learned about it last week. My son told me and it made me very happy. It’s a dream. Everyone likes to be rewarded for their good work and we love to provide the best possible customer service. That customers leave our establishment happy, that’s our wish," he told the newspaper El Español.

"It’s true that it will boost the activity, because customers know they will be satisfied if they come to us. In addition, those who didn’t know us will come to discover the establishment and taste our delicious dishes," rejoices Abdelhakiim, who reveals the specialties of his restaurant. "We offer skewers, Jarra marra, a Moroccan tomato salad, and roasted and grilled potatoes. That’s what people ask for the most. All accompanied by a good beer or a good wine."

Abdelhakiim owes his success to his hard work. I am "a person who works hard," he assures. With four employees during the week and three others who come to help on weekends and public holidays, the Moroccan tries to satisfy his clientele as best he can, despite the rise in prices of raw materials and also of energy. "We charge 3.40 euros for a skewer. We think it’s not too expensive. We don’t have a 70 or 80 euro menu. We are a bar to have a bite to eat, have a beer and that’s it," he specifies.