Monday, January 4, 2010

Eating the mysteries of Valencia - Traditional Wine & Fabulous Dining


Meet Santa Companya, I would call this restaurant the Saint of the Palate. 800 wines from around the world, all served by the glass!!!!! This lovely rouge picture is the best garnacha I've ever tasted. Alto Moncayo 2006 is smooth as a baby bottom, great red fruit and vanilla to entice you further.

The owner of Santa Companya won top sommelier of Spain, so he knows how to treat a wine lover right.
Truly great, crisp albarino from Pazo Pineiro de Lusco.








The highlights of the menu were a satisfying pumpkin soup with bacon and olive oil.


A desert tomato with tuna and, of course, olive oil.


A savory dish of seafood laden paella.

Tempura battered scallops with basil oil.


Santa Companya
Roteros, 21
El Carme Region of Valencia, Spain
Tel 96 392 22 59

5/5 Valencia, mouth watering

Fideua - Valencian Seafood Noodle Paella


Want comfort food? Here it is, big time. Especially, eaten on a beach in Valencia. Here's a paella tip from a Valencian native - make sure that the paella is not precooked and microwaved for you... they should make it fresh for you! It is made for a minimum of 2 people and should be cooked on a vine wood brazier. Details here...
http://en.valencia-netz.de/168/cuisine-val-en.html

Here's an excellent recipe...
http://www.jamieoliver.com/foodwise/article-view.php?id=3185

The one we had on the beach was of the microwaved variety and was still good. Please go to Fideua de Gandia if you want the real stuff in Valencia.

For amazing rice paella in Barcelona go to Porto del Refugio. Address is Carrer del Judici, 4, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. It's in Barcelonetta



3/5 Valencia
... ho hum, this day I didn't go to the right places to eat, but the beach was marvelous, 26 C in November!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Cooked fresh right before your eyes. I love Spain






My favourite restaurant + bar in all of Europe = Pinotxo Bar, Barcelona, Spain.

The bar is nestled in Boqueta Market in the heart of the city. Can't get any fresher than that. Sip some cava with your fresh grilled fish or steak, wowza! Try the chickpea dish it's spectacular.



5/5 for Barca! Nothing tops it so far.