Albacete, which has been known as the New York of the La Mancha region since the time when the Spanish writer known as Azorín coined the term in one of his poems, boasts an enticing gourmet focus thanks to the Ababol restaurant, which is the Spanish word for a type of red poppy. In its contemporary dining room, overlooked by the open kitchen, chef Juan Monteagudo conjures up dishes which showcase the traditional roots of La Mancha, select ingredients (many from its local farms), and sublime sauces that you’ll want to mop up on your plate! The French technical detail on display is influenced by the chef’s father (the artist Philippe André Georges Monteagudo) and is accompanied by a meticulous approach to presentation. The à la carte (half-portions are available) is complemented by two tasting menus (Tierra and Ababol) and a third dedicated to game during the hunting season. Everything on the menu is delicious but one dish that stood out for us was the “cauliflower with Iberian pork fat”.