Q&A: Elies Alvarez, L’Ambigú Gastrobar
We’re out and about meeting the people who run shops, bars and provide services in and around El Perelló, L’Ampolla and L’Ametlla. Elies Alvarez runs L’Ambigú Gastrobar in El Perelló – he tells us why he’s proud of his village and about his plans for the future.
Ebre Connect: When did L’Ambigú open?
We opened on 12 December 2014. This building was an empty supermarket before this. It’s a good situation for us because there’s good parking, lots of people pass by and, because it’s out of the village, we can have music without disturbing the neighbours.
Ebre Connect: What sort of food do you serve?
From the first day, we wanted to offer tapas, not paellas or fish dishes. Little by little we are raising the level, and it’s a different type of food for El Perelló. We’re a gastrobar – a bar that serves good food, but we also have music, culture and events.
Ebre Connect: Are you and your family from El Perelló? Why is it special?
Yes, we’re from El Perelló. It’s a village that hasn’t lost its roots. In many places near here they have lost the sense of community. Here, when we have fiestas, everyone comes out. For example, during the Festes de Sant Antoni in January, everyone is there – the bars and the restaurants are full.
Ebre Connect: And El Perelló is a very Catalan village too…
Yes. We are a little inland. The further inland places are, the more Catalan they are. Because the people have suffered more, for example, in the Battle of the Ebro. Everyone knows someone whose grandfather died or whose family suffered. Our grandparents fought, and lots of us are Republicans because of that.
Ebre Connect: Today, El Perelló has a lot of foreigners living here. What do you think about that?
I think it’s good, there’s a good community here. It’s a good place.
Ebre Connect: How would you describe the atmosphere of L’Ambigu?
L’Ambigú is a space for people to be happy, to meet their friends, have a good time, have some tapas, a beer, dance… I’m happy when people are happy with their friends.
Ebre Connect: What are your plans for the future?
There will be many new things in the future – I look forward to doing new things. We’re preparing a new menu with new tapas that are more modern and there’s a new wine list. We’ve just begun – there will be lots of surprises!
L’Ambigú is at Placa de la Cooperativa, 43519 El Perelló, Tel 620 655 695.
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