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Lorca restaurant wins prize for innovative pork doughnut presentation!
Restaurante La Cepa takes the top spot as Lorca promotes Chato Murciano pig meat
The “Jornadas Gastronómicas del Chato Murciano” gastronomic event in Lorca which aims to promote the meat of the traditional “chato murciano” breed of pig, has ended with the top prize among the 20 or so dishes presented by local bars and restaurants being awarded to Restaurante La Cepa.
La Cepa takes away a cheque for 500 euros after the jury selected their “pork cheek doughnut glazed with apple and foie with smoky barbecue sauce”, stating that the combination of flavours produced an “exquisite” dish.
In second place was the Mesón Lorquino, with a tapa of trotters with quince and foie, while third place went to Casa Roberto for their “pork cheek on bacon and pea cream”.
The Chato Murciano
The Chato Murciano is a native of the Region of Murcia and in the past it was an important source of nourishment for those living in Murcia. There were over 100,000 specimens a century ago, but it then fell out of favour as it was crossbred with the Victoria, Tamworth, Large White and Berkshire breeds.
Further information is available from the tourist office of Lorca (Plaza de España, 7, telephone 968 441914, email lorcaturismo@lorca.es).
For more local information including news and what’s on go to the home page of Lorca Today.
Address
Plaza de Espana, 30800 LorcaTel: 968 441914 (Fax 968 466157)
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites, and historic buildings, around which the modern City has built its tourism industry. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, the Jewish Quarter of the castle and Synagogue, 
Plaza de España, Colegiata de San Patricio, Museo de Arqueologico Municipal, Iglesia de San Francisco, Casa Huerto Ruano, Palacio de Guevara, Iglesia de San Mateo, Pósito de los Panaderos, Convento Virgen de las Huertas, Antiguo Convento de la Merced, Iglesia del Carmen and the Teatro Guerra.
Unfortunately Lorca has also been prone to natural disaster, suffering a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as an earthquake which measured 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives. Since this earthquake the city has been rebuilding, winning recognition for its Lorca, Open for Restoration initiative, which used the restoration of the city as a tourist attraction whilst it rebuilt its historical buildings, some of which are currently still not open.
The tourist office itself has temporarily relocated until the renovations are completed and is on Calle San Patricio near the church.
Lorca also has an area of coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of, Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San 
Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only through agricultural exploitations.
However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a 
series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the complex of its historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca Tourist Office:
- Monday to Friday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.00.
- Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30.
- Sunday: 10.00 to 14.00.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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