http://www.chow.com/boards/50 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:08:13 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/663608#5163728 I don't get the "West coast" bit... There is no coast between Madrid and Lisbon that I know of. You want to take the A5 via Oropesa, Trujillo and Merida , Vila Viçosa, Estremoz and Evora (all historical towns, and well worth a visit!). Monsaraz, agreed, is also very nice if you have time, and there are plenty of wineries around there. The food is generally simple (black pig, kid or lamb stews, quite a lot of game) and best in the small restaurants (called tascas in Portugal). All the towns I mention have a Parador or a Pousada (the Portuguese equivalent) in a prominent castle / convent so check them first on the net as prices can be surprisingly cheap. Otherwise, go on www.booking.com they cover a lot of hotels in all categories, and have cheap prices! Lots of good advice also on www.tripadvisor.com if oyu search for these towns. I support Sesimbra, but you also want to take teh coast road from Lisbon to Cascais and beyond to Guincho. Avoid commuting hours unless you have a death wish, and beware of expensive restaurants in that area (but there are also some cheap ones...) Have fun! Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:45:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663608#5163728 http://www.chow.com/topics/663983#5161043 I know what you mean. Just this September we rented a place a few floors up from Bodegon Alejandro in the old town of San Sebastian. Not knowing that that Saturday night was a double soccer-match night, we stepped out of our building and were in shock. It was great fun though. (I suspect that children would like it even more.) (Off topic) PBSF, our parcours crisscrosses. I grew up in SF, now live in Paris and also go to Barcelona and Venice often. World getting smaller all the time. In fact, we are going to Barcelona for xmas-new year... Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:43:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663983#5161043 http://www.chow.com/topics/654323#5158907 Here are a couple of links: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/585898 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/593931 Personally, I wouldn't receommend some of the places I see in this post. In my opinion, you should try to steer clear of restaurants with English names or those serving non-Spanish food. There is such a wealth of options that you shouldn't waste your time if you are only there for a week. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:10:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/654323#5158907 http://www.chow.com/topics/427280#5156644 SotoLive has information and reviews on all the best restaurants, bars, clubs etc in the Sotogrande area as well as the latest events. www.sotolive.com Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:48:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/427280#5156644 http://www.chow.com/topics/415969#5156641 SotoLive has information and reviews on all the best restaurants, bars, clubs etc in the Sotogrande area as well as the latest events. www.sotolive.com Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:47:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/415969#5156641 http://www.chow.com/topics/664292#5151244 Anyone know of good culinary arts schools in Spain? Other than Cordon Bleu? I've heard a bit about IEdeG, but unclear to what extent it is a culinary degree program, if at all... Anywho let me know if you know something, thanks. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:08:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664292#5151244 http://www.chow.com/topics/664229#5150509 we´ll be going on a monday if thats any help Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:24:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664229#5150509 http://www.chow.com/topics/640030#5149368 Really wish I had seen your question earlier - we spend a lot of time at http://www.alto-club.com in alvor directly between Lagos and Portimao - its a stop off on the "linea algarve" the train line that runs from faro along the coast. In my opinion this area has some of the best seafood resteraunts you are likely to come across - fresh fish barbequed - fantastic!. Also monchique is close by with resteraunts serving local produce we had plum and wild boar stew which was amazing. Also inland the prices are more reasonable. where did you choose in the end - and where did you eat? Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:43:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/640030#5149368 http://www.chow.com/topics/659499#5148261 FWIW, with the great Metro system in Madrid, virtually everything is within walking distance. The only place I had paella in Madrid was Paella Real, near the Opera metro stop, and it was great. Any time you can get decent paella in Madrid, you should consider it a coup, since Madrid is not really the place for paella. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:53:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659499#5148261 http://www.chow.com/topics/662590#5148247 In order to enjoy Andalucia a bit more, we are considering spending a week there, and skipping Valencia altogether this trip. In which case we would spend the first night in Malaga, the next day and night in Malaga recuperating from the trip, the next day in Ronda with the night in the Ronda Parador, the next two days in Granada but sleeping at the Antequera parador, then up toward Sevilla with perhaps a stop in Jerez on the way, that night in the Carmona parador, the next day in Sevilla with another night in the parador, then a morning flight from Sevilla to Marrakech. Two nights in Marrakech, two nights in San Sebastian, with the final four days of the trip in Madrid. Thanks for the help with Seville and Ronda. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:08:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662590#5148247 http://www.chow.com/topics/585898#5146734 There are many recommendations on this particular thread on Madrid; just read some of the above. Also search other posts on this board. Neighborhoods in the center for tapas: Latina, Huertas and around Pl. Jesus, Chueca, Lavapies, area just east of the Parque del Retiro. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:46:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585898#5146734 http://www.chow.com/topics/663829#5146279 Having been in Madrid for two months now, we decided to branch out into Indian food. Having heard there were decent places on Lavapies, all of which were crowded, we chose one (do not remember name, was #42). Alas, my rule on never going to a restaurant that needs a hooker (male bringing you into restaurant, not someone with a short skirt who is working) remains correct. Horrible. Even the onion bajee (bazee) was terrible. And bland, would have been an embarassment in the American midwest. So, since I still am interested in sometimes eating other than Italian or Spanish, does anyone have any specific recommendations for Moroccan (seems like it would be the best choice) or some Asian (non-Japanese, they are easy to find) resto near the center. Presumably Lavapies is the right barrio, but my experience last night scares me. Gracias Neal Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:18:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663829#5146279 http://www.chow.com/topics/662343#5144052 Hi Not been to the island but regularly visit Tenerife. Bear in mind that the islands are not very agricultural so much of the produce is brought in from the mainland. I'm not sure if wine is produced locally in any great quantity - it may be too hot for vines. The potatoes are probably the best known local speciality. Roast rabbit and goat would be traditional meats and, of course, there'll be plenty of fish. You might want to buy some mojo sauce (which comes in red or green - the red being spicier) to go on the side of fish It might be worth you popping to the local bookshop to see what cookbooks they have - the Moro one by Sam & Sam Clarke might be worth a look Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:24:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662343#5144052 http://www.chow.com/topics/663122#5144024 Very little of even mediocre quality in Gibraltar. Suggest you track down a British holiday site for any recommendations, although most of us would tend to think it's a charmless place and tend only to visit for the day when we're staying on the Costa. Algeciras - just across the border into Spain, is an industrial town and has even less charm. Assuming you're driving from Gibraltar to Malaga and need food, I'd suggest a stop at Estepona which is probably the least touristy town along the coast (head for the main square, not the marina). Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:04:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663122#5144024 http://www.chow.com/topics/662618#5138528 Thanks so much for the recommendations, Jenny15X! Just checked online, and veg paella is on both menus. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:44:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662618#5138528 http://www.chow.com/topics/549692#5134611 I know it my be a little late now, but for upcoming Madrid visits you can count on us. We are starting off a supperclub in Madrid. At this pint we are teaching sushi, hosting Spanish Wine and CHeese tastings, Spanish cooking and dinner, tapas tours, etc.. Our info: www.gastromaniac.blogspot.com www.madridtapastours.blogspot.com Regards, GASTROMANIAC Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:02:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/549692#5134611 http://www.chow.com/topics/660995#5134363 Had a really great menu del dia at Museo Thyssen. 14.90 Euros. Recommended - nice atmosphere, huge portions, and well-prepared food. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:52:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660995#5134363 http://www.chow.com/topics/662539#5132965 That about sums it up! Any price range, any location. TIA Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:44:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662539#5132965 http://www.chow.com/topics/657453#5129352 One place that has good (not too adventurous) food, nice setting and within walking distance from you is Set Portes. It is not a tourist trap. No one speaks English. How's your Spanish/Catalan/French? It is not at all Basque. It is Catalan. If you want a Basque place, the Euskal Etxea has a restaurant section that my friends like, but I myself have only had pintxos - excellent - at the bar. The Euskal Etxea is on Montcada, the same street as the Picasso museum, in the Born, - again, walking distance from you. Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:53:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/657453#5129352 http://www.chow.com/topics/661202#5129332 Thoroughly enjoyed your report. "The lamb had been cooked sous vide (French for “can’t do this at home”)". May I quote you? Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:39:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661202#5129332 http://www.chow.com/topics/661051#5126489 : ) Yes, Frank Gehry's style is very polarizing. I happen to love the Guggenheim Bilbao and the Marques de Riscal (and Pritzker Pavilion in Chicago), and found that it played quite nicely with the surrounding vines, tiled roofs and old cathedral in Elciego. I know others do hate Marques de Riscal for bringing him in. And, agreed, it is incredibly overpriced. We got a half price rate that Starwood was running, which put it in line with other hotels. And yes, if you want to focus on wineries around Haro, that would be a great base. I enjoyed seeing the diversity between Haro and Logrono. Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:53:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661051#5126489 http://www.chow.com/topics/661791#5125938 I just wanted to put up a quick post about Restaurante Regional de Sintra in Sintra Portugal. It is located next door to the municipal hall, and serves simple and delicious Portuguese staples at very reasonable prices. Because of the nature of Sintra as a tourist attraction, many of the restaurants in the centro (near the Palacio Nacional) are overpriced. Regional was recommended to us by a local. We had dinner there two nights in a row. The first night, my SO and I shared the roasted leg of lamb. It was 19 Euros for two people, and came with fried potatoes and steamed vegetables on the side. The lamb was very tender, flavorful, and not overly gamey. Very good. We also enjoyed two bowls of the sopa de cebolla (3 Euros) (onion soup with cheese and bread) and the couvert which was 3 Euros total and consisted of bread, butter, cheese (cow,goat,and sheep mix) and olives. Wine was very reasonable as well. Their house wine went for 5.50 Euro a bottle, and we had a nice bottle of Dao Grao Vasco for 7 Euros. The second night, we had the sopa de cebolla again, and SO had the Fried Pork in Red Wine, and I had the Stewed Eel. Once again the portions we very generous. The pork was marinated in red wine and then sauteed. It came with fried potatoes on the side. The Stewed Eel was very good as well consisting of chunks of fresh water eel in a sweet sofrito like-sauce with cilantro and slices of bread. Very filling, and rich. The eel was very fresh. This time we settled for a half bottle of wine, and also had the couvert. Both times the meal came out to about 35 Euro for 2 with more than enough food and wine to go around. A good recommendation if you want to try simpler Portuguese cooking. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Restaurante+Regional+de+Sintra+Sintra,+Portugal&sll=38.798831,-9.387914&sspn=0.003148,0.006062&ie=UTF8&cd=1&hq=Restaurante+Regional+de+Sintra&hnear=Sintra,+Portugal&ll=38.800688,-9.387678&spn=0.006087,0.012124&z=17&iwloc=A Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:24:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661791#5125938 http://www.chow.com/topics/661447#5122458 If you want something different in Barcelona I can recommend Mosquito (C/Carders 46, www.mosquitotapas.com). Fab dim sum freshly handmade by Chinese ladies and a range of really unusual organic and small-production beers. Plus weirder stuff like Vietnamese coffee. Nice atmosphere - casual and friendly - like the English owner, Jazz. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:53:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661447#5122458 http://www.chow.com/topics/661395#5121843 I'm considering a trip to Spain in a month or so. I'll only be there about two days, so I decided that rather than go to Madrid or Barcelona, where I have been a lot, maybe I'll try somewhere new. As a lover of Paella, I thought, why not Valencia? Two problems: 1) I'll be by myself, and I've never seen a really top-notch Paella for one; and 2) I don't know where the top places for Paella are in Valencia. Can anyone out there help me? Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:21:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661395#5121843 http://www.chow.com/topics/659867#5117397 I assume you are talking about the Convento de Espinheiro in Evora. In the Algarve I know that both Vila Joya and Vila Vita organise coockery courses on a ponctual basis but you will have to contact them directly (www.vilajoya.com & www.vilavitaparc.com). Both have a top gourmet restaurant, so not particularly Portuguese cooking! In the Lisbon area, I found this link which you might find useful: http://www.lifecooler.com/edicoes/lifecooler/desenvRegArtigo.asp?art=9333&rev=2 Not much to go by if you don't speak Portuguese, I regret! Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:41:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659867#5117397 http://www.chow.com/topics/660663#5114614 They open for reservations after the end of the "season". This year the season was pushed back, and so now finishes in December, so your assumption that it won't kick off until after 20th December is probably correct. It isn't a secret process, they will have full details on their website, just keep checking. In 2008 it was open from April to the 5th Oct thus reservations opened later in October. We sent ours in on the 17th October my wife got accepted on the 17th December, I was rejected on the 5th. Note: Ferran has said 2010 will follow a similar pattern to '09 with the restaurant season running later, apparently he is enjoying being able to use the different fresh produce available in the Autumn (so a reservation later in the season may be most interesting). However, he has also said he may cut down the number of months he does open, some reports indicate it may be cut to just a month....! A tricky reservation may just have got a lot harder...! Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:10:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660663#5114614 http://www.chow.com/topics/635625#5113951 figured i'd add to this now that we are back from a great week in spain/france: arrived in barcelona and our room at the hotel claris (which is very nice, near everything and pretty reasonably priced) wasn't ready so we walked over to the boqueria market. what a spectacle. jamon's hanging everywhere, skinned rabbits, crazy looking seafood, lots of gummy candy. great on the eyes. passed up on eating at bar pinotxo because even at 9 am there was a mob about 5 deep behind each seat so we found a tapas bar in the back and had a pretty bad reheated and soggy spanish omelette with vegetables and very very soggy pan con tomate. room still wasn't ready so we headed over to the picasso museum and after walking around, decided to go to Cal Pep for lunch. we got there about 30 minutes before it opened but since there was already about 6 people on line, we waited around until it opened. incidentally, if you do not want to wait more than an hour to sit here, make sure to get here at least 30 minutes before it opens or you will just be hovering in a very cramped room. anyway, the food was very good, waiter offered up a sample of tapas for 39 euros so we took it: pan con tomate (good, but not the best we had, not enough tomatoes or olive oil), pimientos de padron (excellent, blistered, salted, beautiful), clams with jamon and olive oil (#2 dish to get here, very very good), squid with garbanazo beans and jamon (eh, ok, not great, the squid was very mealy), spanish omelette with jamon (#1 dish to get there, this was perfect, made to order, creamy, delicious, potato-y, awesome), and frito misto (don't get, too many boney fish fried up which made it very difficult to eat). we also ordered the fried artichokes which were very good. all in all, a great lunch to start the trip but just be warned that Cal Pep is a factory and they will rush you in and rush you out. This was easily the quickest meal we had on our trip. went back to hotel in a daze, napped, and woke up to get dinner at Inopia. Again, do yourself a favor and get there about 15-30 minutes before you think you should be eating. We arrived at about 8:20 and "only" waited 30 minutes. People who got there at 8:30 waited over an hour and those who got there around 9 didn't sit down until past 11. but is this wait worth it? Yes, Yes, Yes. If not for Etxeberri (more on that later) this would have been the highlight of our trip. Amazing patatas bravas, amazing olive mix to start, good pan con tomate (not our favorite since it's served on some type of multigrain bread), very good fried shrimp with the heads still on, absolutely amazing pimientos de padron, fantastic cheap cava, unreal creamy, juicy, perfectly fried croquetas with jamon iberico, and the highlight: a quartered pineapple, sliced and topped with lime zest and sugar liquor. So good. next day, lunch with nothing special, just a focaccia place on the way to park guell, and then dinner at Paco Meralgo. Again, get there at 8:15 and you won't wait. Get there at 8:30 and you will wait an hour. Service here was brusk and actually some of the worst we had in Spain and France. We didn't have a reservation but they still sat us and then made it pretty clear they wanted us to leave as quickly as possible. Food was very good though: easily the best pan con tomate we had in the entire city, fantastic pimientos de padron, blistered to almost blackness and salted nice, a great platter of jamon iberico de bellota, fantastic razor clams, meaty and juicy, a weird tuna and squid meatball thing that was so so, mostly breadcrumbs, awesome awesome awesome fried long stem green onions, and great steamed clams. if we had had better service, i would have highly recommended this place. day 3, again, light lunch, and then dinner at tapac24. had to wait about 15 minutes because we got there at 8:30 but it was worth it. pan con tomate was excellent, tomato-y, garlic-y, olive oil-y, awesome. pimientos blistered perfectly, almost looked like they may have been deep fried, fantastic black squid ink rice with jamon (tasted just like the sea), great oozy croquetas, great patatas bravas, and an awesome bottle of cava. this is simple (for spain) food cooked expertly. definitely try and give it a shot. day 4, drive through the pyrennes and to Saint-Pee sur Nivelle to stay at L'Auberge Basque. The revamped farmhouse is gorgeous and the main attraction is definitely the kitchen. the food is outstanding. there were delicious macarons from Maison Adam waiting in the room for us (we ended up buying some more when we found their store in St. Jean de Luz) for 48 euros you get a beautiful custardy foie gras topped with pamplemousse gelee and toasted croutons in a yogurt cup, an excellent salad to start (ours was basically a deconstructed salad nicoise), an amazing main course (in our case, young yellow chicken paillard with a gazpacho sauce), a ridiculously beautiful and delicious cheese plate, and a fantastic dessert of poached granny smith apples, pistachio nuts, and crepes. it was so good we decided to eat there a second night and the food was just as good, if not better (my cochon with jamon crisps was so piggily delicious i didn't want to stop eating it). after a gluttonous breakfast at the inn consisting of a huge pot of coffee and tea, fantastic fresh butter and sheep milk yogurt, beautifully crispy artisanal bread and the best gateaux basque i had all trip, we drove out to Axpe, Spain for a lunch at Etxeberri. If you there is one restaurant in the world you have to go to, please make it this one. This was by far the best dining and eating experience I have ever had. We opted not to get the 10 course 150 euro per person Menu Degustacion because we thought frankly it would be too much so instead we ordered 5 courses off the a la carte menu (we only saw one couple actually order the menu degustacion and we were happy we didn't). The handmade chorizo plate was spectacular: not too garlicy, perfectly meaty and smokey, and juicy, unrealy; the jamon iberico de bellota was the best jamon I have ever eaten anywhere. My wife only ate 2 slices so I was able to eat the approximately other 10 all on my own. Thanks! The grilled clams with garlic and olive oil were a revelation, smokey and clammy and delicious. The grilled mushrooms were giant delicious mushroom stalks that tasted like the forest. And the on-the-bone steak. Oh. Dear. God. Conceivably the best piece of meat I have ever had. It came carved off the bone, what looked and tasted to be the strip side of a porterhouse, perfectly rare, with big chunks of sea salt on top and a delicious pool of fat underneath. I did not want to stop eating this. This steak was better than every steak I've had at a steak house. Luger's does not hold a candle to this piece of meat. This was the single greatest dish we had all trip. And for 155 euros for the two of us, we got these 5 dishes, plus 3 glasses of wine, a coke, 2 coffees, and a bottle of water. Best deal. Since we were in basically a food coma, our late night tapas mean in San Sebastian considered of two expertly fried white asparragus, 4 beautiful croquetas de jamon, and a fantastic jamon iberico sandwich in a croissant, all at Ganbara Bar. Lunch the next day was at a great place in the Gros area called Bodega Donastierra. It's been there since the 1920s and everything was great: huge delicious red tomatoes covered in high quality olive oil and salt, an awesome smooth manchego cheese sandwich, a great thinly cooked spanish omelette (which everyone seemed to be ordering) and awesome jamon iberico de bellota. Topped off with some red wine, this perfectly hit the spot. Dinner was some more light tapas at Ganbara Bar (fried white asparagus, great blistered guinduilla peppers that rivaled the pimientos de padron in Barcelona, more croquetas and jamon/croissant sandwiches, and a great pintxo with what tasted like baked salmon) and a few at Alona Berri Bar (a very strange calamari dish, an overpriced grilled mushrooms dish, fantastic mushroom croquetas, an amazing fried dumpling stuffed with shrimp and advocado, an awesome pintxo piled high with roasted peppers, and a fried mango dumpling filled with foie gras). Just be warned, Alona Berri Bar, while very good and avante garde, is in the middle of nowhere and there was not much open late at night around to get more tapas. Sorry if this was too long. We ate so well that I had to document it. Hopefully this is helpful for anyone else traveling to Barcelona and the Pays Basque/Pais Vasco. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:19:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/635625#5113951 http://www.chow.com/topics/658155#5103500 Carrer de Petritxol where La Pallaresa located is the street of "hot chocolate". I am not a big fan of it, but the quaint street it is definitely worth a visit for many of the cafes. I love churros and the trick is make sure they are frying them to order rather than let them sit on top of a warmer. That is not always the case. There is a little shop on via Laetana between the Pl. d'Antorni Maura and c/de la Princesa that always have a fresh batch at 4pm. Sadly, take out only no tables. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:33:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658155#5103500 http://www.chow.com/topics/658782#5096417 The problem of where to eat in Barcelona is not the lack of choice, but choosing from an overabundance of restaurants. Add to that, the party size is 12. The age profile 50-63. The task is find a reservation for Saturday night in a 1st class restaurant, with adventurous food that everybod will like Now in most groups you will have those who will be adventurous and will try anything and there will always be at least one of the "Even though I've never tried it and don't know what it tastes like, I could'nt eat it" brigade. We were lucky everybody is willing to try something different. Forget about democracy and trying the impossibility of attempting to please everyone, and decide, that If you are happy with the restaurant then most others would be. We had been out and about in Barcelona from early morning the last of the group arrivived back at the hotel 1 hour before our Dinner reservation. Quick shower and change and meet in the hotel bar. First question how are we going to get to the restaurant " Us ladies can't walk far in High Heels". We were stayin in AC Victoria Suites just of Avenue Diagonal, an excellent 4 Star hotel. Our reservation was in Neichel Restaurant 50 metres from the Hotel front door. We had a private room to ourselves off the main dining room. A very warm welcome together with a excellent selection of "Amuse Bouche to start the evening. The menu choices available were 2 Tasting menu's + an "A la Carte" menu. Our party tried had a variety of the starters and main courses from the "A la Carte". The food presentation and tastes were beautiful (I know because i had little tastes from a number of plates). Constant attention to the refiling of wine and water all night. Surprisingly nobody felt the need to finish the night with either cheese or desert. The price for the night including a decent tip €100 per person. We had excellent food and wine. any complaints no- (water at €5 per bottle a little expensive if you use 13 bottles) Was it worth it.? Definetly. Will I go back -The next time I'm in barcelona I'll have a tasting menu. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:33:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658782#5096417 http://www.chow.com/topics/658083#5089133 Anybody enjoyed the ginja bars in Lisbon? I have to say that was one of my most favorite travel experiences I've ever had. I am craving some ginja. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:40:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658083#5089133 http://www.chow.com/topics/657452#5082637 I'm struggling with finding a good place near avenida del Litoral (the hotel AB Skipper) that would suit 20 people that hasn't been reviewed as a tourist trap or just not worth the dollars. Am I out of luck? I hate to go to Barcelona (from NYC) and have a bad meal but I may not have a choice. I am all for trekking the group to some tour through the little traveled streets of Barcelona but I'm going to have two people from Houston who are just not that adventurous. My goal: fantastic pinxtos or basque food at a moderate to higher price range where I can seat 20 and give everyone something they like. Hmmm... I just read this and wonder if I shouldn't be medicated. Ideas? Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:53:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/657452#5082637 http://www.chow.com/topics/656968#5081964 Their website worked fine and they responded in a timely manner. As posted elsewhere, the have a 1:45 seating (though lots of people seemed to be eating when we arrived at 1:50) and then a second "waiting list" at 3PM, though given our experience, one is likely to be seated close to 3PM. Enjoy neal Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:06:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/656968#5081964 http://www.chow.com/topics/655387#5081172 My favorite place to shop for culinary gadgets in Lisbon is called Braz & Braz in the Baixa on an alley like street called Travessa Nova de S. Domingos, 46. You can get some beautiful and cheap terracotta (Barro) items as well as some other cool gadgets. They have two stores on the same street - one is retail and the other caters for restaurants and hotels. There is also another small store next to the Braz & Braz location that also sells culinary equipment. Nearby is a restaurant and association, Casa do Alentejo which also has nice cheeses, olive oils, and nice/cheap handmade dishes, plates, olive oil cruets, etc. If you are looking for culinary delicacies, I would recommend places such as Charcutaria Brasil on Rua Alexandre Herculano; Confeitaria Nacional, Napoleão, Garrafeira Nacional, and others. Also, I would agree with Monchique that Bica do Sapato is overrated and past its prime. I had to go there a few months ago since colleagues made reservations and I was underwhelmed. Even Tavares Rico has French leanings, so I would recommend either Tágide or Brasserie Flo. Another place which is very nice, although not overly formal or chic as Lisboa à Noite, is their other restaurant (and neighbor); the classic Sinal Vermelho. Some people also recommend Café Buenos Aires, yet it is Argentine food and a VERY small place. Boa Sorte! Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:04:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/655387#5081172 http://www.chow.com/topics/657184#5080287 Just back from a Wine trip to La Mancha, and we were lucky with our choice of restaurants, so happy to share ou experience! Lunch at the Parador in Zafra: Lovely place, great service, great "rabo de ternero" (veal tail...) Dinner at Altair (1 Michelin star) in the old Roman town of Merida: Fantastic degustation menu, good value for money (7 courses with aperitifs and 1 & 1/2 bottle of wine under 200 Euros for 2). Walked slowly back to our nice hotel, the Merida Palace (ex Melia). Small room, overcrowded with furniture, good bathroom; not 5 stars but central and cheap on the net! Toledo: Hotel Palacio Eugenia de Montijo... This was a group booking so we did not qualify for the best room which was even smaller than above, 3 coat hangers only and no space to unpack. But again central, and very quiet. They have bigger rooms too, I believe. Toledo: Restaurante Adolfo: An absolute must, the best restaurant in the area! and a garrafeira next door which you may visit if invited, with 30,000 bottles of the best wines (Spanish & world) Cordoba: Very nice lunch in "El Churrasco" in the Juderia. To be recommended, and the Sommelier is a real Pro too. Carmona: Our favorite Parador. Old fashion service (smiling and competent), best breakfast of the trip. Dinner was at "La Yedra" next door, where we had enjoyed before and again the best "arroz cremoso com setas e trufas brancas". Fantastico! Tapas lunch by the pool at teh beautiful Hacienda Benazuza in Sanlucar La Mayor, just outside Sevilla (the El Bulli hotel) was very pleasant at 45 Euros / head, but don't expect anything too special for lunch. Their 2 Michelin starred restaurant is in another bracket food wise and pricewise, and only opens in the evening. Happy to give more details... Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:29:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/657184#5080287 http://www.chow.com/topics/656970#5078427 Perhaps my experience at Jose Maria was less than overwhelming because on Friday we had a really great time at Mano a Mano (on C/ Lavapies, though closer to Tirso de Molinas than Lavapies). An incredibly gracious owner (a Scot who has lived in Madrid for many years). I think everyone else there was a regular, since we were the only ones not be greeted with the traditional dos besos. An infinitely better patata starter (with onions) than at Jose Maria, and my wife had an excellent sea bream baked in salt. I had the cod with a choice of five preparations, choosing the one with a variety of cooked veggies. My daughter had a very nice duck. Only my wife's fish was to die for, but one in three isn't bad. The whole experience was really quite excellent. About 70€ with a bottle of house wine. The place is small. Neal Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:08:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/656970#5078427 http://www.chow.com/topics/652949#5076522 We are in Barcelona as I write this. Had lunch at Comerc 24 today. 64 euro PP for seven plus courses.....very, very good. It was well presented and the taste of most of the courses was wonderful. Not the greatest personality..service efficient but not warm at all. Wine Steward really knew his wines and suggested a fantastic white at a great price. Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:30:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/652949#5076522 http://www.chow.com/topics/653723#5074259 Hi I will be in Gaucin on the 7,8,9, and 10th Oct as well. Let me kow if you want to try one of the local restaurants or tapas bars, I would be happy to join. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:00:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/653723#5074259 http://www.chow.com/topics/656278#5073917 wow! thanks :) Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:28:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/656278#5073917 http://www.chow.com/topics/650348#5070071 Just found another place near La Latina that is quite good and open hours that work for me (and doesn't seem to run out of chicken). Casa Adela, C/ de Embajadores. http://maps.google.com/maps?cbp=11,318.26,,0,5&cbll=40.409067,-3.705475&layer=c&ie=UTF8&ll=40.409067,-3.705475&spn=0.002647,0.004495&z=17&panoid=F9maPSUhOd7FqqhPqbIiGA Enjoy Neal Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:59:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/650348#5070071 http://www.chow.com/topics/655534#5066100 Como siempre, muchas gracias. Neal Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:23:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/655534#5066100 http://www.chow.com/topics/653520#5065630 Edit re: the review above (it jolted me awake!)--lomo is pork loin, not lamb. I think the dish name was lomo de ajo (garlic pork). Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:52:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/653520#5065630 http://www.chow.com/topics/655556#5064543 Hey guys, Thought this article was interesting, as it explores San Sebastian and pintxos, elaborate and inventive mini-dishes fit for a king, ranging from blood sausage with pistachio sauce to mushroom foie dotted with gold-coated Idiazabel cheese: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/spain/090925/so-you-think-you-can-cook They also talk about the new Basque Culinary Center, which will open in 2011. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:29:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/655556#5064543 http://www.chow.com/topics/654367#5063777 The Sunday evening request comes up quite commonly on this board. One very good option is Els Pescadors, an accomplished fish/seafood restaurant in a charming old world square in Poble Nou which is one of Barcelona's traditional working neighbourhoods. http://www.elspescadors.com/default.asp You could walk there along the promenades/sea front from Barceloneta, maybe stopping along the way for a drink at a chiringuito if they haven't closed for the season. And afterwards maybe wander up the Rambla de Poble Nou, get a feel for the nabe and then drink a patxaran at one of the bars. You do get some tourists at Els Pescadors but it's much less touristy than the other places you mention. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:40:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/654367#5063777 http://www.chow.com/topics/654021#5063664 go to akelare too! seriously. all three are different experiences and all worthwhile. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:03:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/654021#5063664 http://www.chow.com/topics/652699#5063213 I hope it'd not too late, so here it goes: I'm from Madrid, and I recommended a few restaurants in Madrid in my other post (you can probably read it if you click on my profile). For fine dining, go to El Paraguas... I believe it is the best restaurant in Madrid at the moment. But it is expensive, so be warned. As for what extraordinary food to try: -Morcilla con arroz, from Burgos, is indeed dreamy. -Percebes (goose barnacles) -Bigaros (delicous sea snails) -Navajas (long, razor-like seafood)... we love fish and seafood in Spain, so if it swims in the Mediterranean/Atlantic, you'll find it here! (unfortunately, at the expense of a very damaged marine ecosystem) -Oh, and from previous experience with foreigners, they seem terrified at the thought of sucking the head of a prawn... but we think it's the best part :) As for other interesting food items that I myself prefer not to eat: -Pig's ear (although a bean stew/cassoulet with pig's ear is one of my favourite dishes 'judias con oreja' it's called) -Manitas de cerdo (pig's feet) -Callos (tripe in a kind of tomato sauce) -And of course the usual liver ('higado') or brains ('sesos').... all of these delicacies that I never really got into. Best of luck and enjoy :) Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:49:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/652699#5063213 http://www.chow.com/topics/654151#5057412 Well they do not drink so that helps quite a bit... Thanks for the reply. I am thinking they should do La Dama for one special night and then less expensive places the rest of the time.... Thanks again for your help! Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:11:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/654151#5057412 http://www.chow.com/topics/654069#5057217 Gracias. My spanish was not good enough to figure out why there was a waiting list for 1500. Do you happen to know if one is likely to wait more than half an hour on a Sunday in late Sept.? (And I was wondering how anyone in Spain could boot people out after 75 minutes.) Yes, we have booked the train, have learned my lessons on that the hard way. Neal Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:48:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/654069#5057217 http://www.chow.com/topics/654045#5053342 Thanks SillyDisciple, after looking at some pics this is exactly the place! Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:30:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/654045#5053342 http://www.chow.com/topics/649265#5052836 Just wanted to say thanks for your help. Ended up eating at - Pla - very good quality but service mixed, I thought ( initially we were sat very much out of the way upstairs and had to ask to move even though it was not full ) -PacoMeralgo - probably my favourite place in terms of atmosphere & overall food & wine experience - La Paradeta - great value seafood and a brilliant concept - El Xampanet - Quimet y Quimet - both great experiences I doubt I would have tracked some of these down with advice received here, so thanks again Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:41:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/649265#5052836 http://www.chow.com/topics/653775#5051933 I always think the French system of service always being included is the sensible one and I wish we would adopt it in the UK. In what other commercial field is one expected to pay extra to have your order taken and your goods delivered? I am, of course, always happy to leave the pourboire. Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:33:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/653775#5051933