Miquel Ruiz, a renowned chef in the culinary world, was feeling unfulfilled despite achieving success and recognition with two Michelin stars at his previous restaurants. He decided to step away from the high-pressure environment of fine dining and opened El Baret de Miquel in Dénia, a small village in Alicante. This cozy establishment, run by Ruiz, his wife, and son, focuses on offering authentic Mediterranean cuisine using seasonal ingredients at affordable prices. The restaurant, housed in a converted century-old bar, has garnered a loyal following and positive reviews for its innovative dishes such as figatell de sepia, croquetas de arroz abanda, esponja de ceviche con erizo de mar, and cous cous de pulpo.
Ruiz’s philosophy revolves around simplicity, focusing on highlighting the natural flavors of fresh ingredients rather than masking them with elaborate techniques. Drawing inspiration from his childhood experiences helping his mother prepare meals for local festivals, he aims to create a welcoming atmosphere where customers can enjoy a delicious meal without the pretensions of haute cuisine. The bar attracts a diverse clientele, including local residents and notable figures like writer Rafael Chirbes and art curator Vicent Todolí, who appreciate Ruiz’s dedication to quality and his commitment to providing a memorable dining experience.
The success of El Baret de Miquel can be attributed to Ruiz’s passion for cooking and his belief in the importance of finding happiness in one’s work. By establishing a family-run business where he can collaborate with his loved ones and create a relaxed environment for customers, Ruiz has found a sense of fulfillment that was lacking in his previous ventures. Despite facing physical challenges like back pain, Ruiz remains enthusiastic about interacting with customers and sharing his culinary creations, such as the popular berenjenas a la brasa, with a loyal following of regular patrons.
With a focus on offering traditional recipes with a modern twist, Ruiz combines his extensive culinary expertise with a commitment to using locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that showcase the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. By staying true to his roots and incorporating his knowledge of cooking techniques and flavors acquired over years of experience, Ruiz has positioned El Baret de Miquel as a respected establishment in the gastronomic scene. The bar’s menu, which features a mix of classic favorites and innovative creations, has received positive feedback from diners who appreciate the chef’s dedication to quality and his ability to craft dishes that appeal to a wide range of tastes.
Ruiz’s decision to transition from fine dining to a more casual dining concept has allowed him to reconnect with his passion for cooking and share his love of food with a wider audience. By creating a welcoming space where customers can enjoy affordable yet delicious meals in a relaxed setting, Ruiz has created a unique dining experience that resonates with both locals and visitors alike. With a focus on authenticity, simplicity, and quality, El Baret de Miquel reflects Ruiz’s culinary philosophy and his commitment to providing a memorable dining experience for all who walk through its doors.
