Urban Spanish Tasteries August 27, 2008

    

 I am so pleased to see the gradual introduction of slick, urban restaurants to Malaga city. They are still few and far between and usually tucked down narrow, unassuming side streets but boy are they worth snuffling out.

If like me, you become bored with the standardised rustic fare offered at most andalucian restaurants, you are going to enjoy my latest quest to track down new culinary offerings. Yesterday, I hit the jackpot with Sacacorchos in central Malaga.

Just a short hop, skip and a jump away from the Cervantes Theatre, Sacacorchos offers an ambience, style and menu better suited to Barcelona’s hip vibe. 

The food was fantastic (check out the menu in English on their website http://www.sacacorchosmalaga.com/ )  and the staff were charming.  I loved the decor and the wonderfully- shaped, huge serving dishes. This place is a real treat and with lunch costing less than 40 euros for two of us, it’s a treat that won’t cost a fortune.

I can’t wait to go back. Lunch anyone?

Do As The Chef Says! May 11, 2008

      

Restaurant: El Olivo, Castillo de Tarjaja, Granada

This place is a high-carat gem. A small, out-of-the-way restaurant made unique by its charismatic chef, Miguel who previously spent many years tickling tastebuds in Andorra. He is renowned, by those ‘in the know’, for effortlessly producing a continual stream of amazing dishes from local ingredients, often adding a subtle, french twist. This man is a culinary wizard. I was very disappointed when he turned down my chocolate mousse-induced proposal of marriage.

 

Do not be disconcerted by the fact that he will not allow you to choose what you’re going to eat! Leisurely pondering over menus is actively discouraged here.  Miguel will sit at your table, in full ‘whites’, tell you what has been concocted for that day and recommend a mix of dishes to share.

 

Two of us had lunch here last week and we shared the following dishes; pate, poached eggs with cod in a cheese sauce, warm sardine and vegetable ‘cake’, goats cheese with almonds and a confit of duck all washed down with a couple of glasses of vino and water. The total bill was 45 euros.

 

The decor is amusingly eclectic (I’ll say no more) and the exterior does nothing to sell the gastronomic experience that awaits. NB: You must book. There are only about 50 covers and this place is always full with locals.

 

Phone:  0034958557493
Address: Calle Constitucion 12, Castillo de Tajarja
Directions: A92 from Granada, direction Malaga. Take turn off for Penuelas and Castillo de Tajarja. Follow country road, passed outskirt of Penuelas onto Castillo. Look out for small green signs for Restaurant Olivo.

CLOSED MONDAYS

Clandestine Assignations May 9, 2008

        

Restaurant: Clandestinos, Malaga City

Walk through these unassuming double doors to wooden tables, rough brick walls, low lighting and a welcoming buzz – there is always a buzz. The waitresses are quirky, with cropped hair, piercings, tattoos, skinny vests and an average age of about 20. They’re the funkiest little workers I’ve ever seen. Doesn’t sound like your kind of place? Believe me when I say this is everyone’s kind of place. Diners range from suited business men to eccentric pony-tailed types. All locals. And the draw? The food is out of this world!

Favourite Dish: If you like duck, go for it. I’ve tried it cooked in two different ways and both induced ecstatic gasps from me. The salads are unusual and huge – more than enough for two. I’m not saying any more – go try it. Christine

Address: Calle Nino de Guevara 3, Malaga

Directions: Walk along Calle Larios away from the sea and take exit in far right corner off main square. Keep walking until you see an illuminated green cross/chemist sign. Turn left. The restaurant is about 60yds along on your left.  

Oldest Tapas bar in Malaga May 9, 2008

   

CASA DE LA GUARDIA, Malaga City

At first glance, this appears to be an old, traditional bar with a few seasonal tapas available, usually seafood. However, it’s charm lies in the fact that it is filled with HUGE barrels of different types of sherry. You have to take pot luck and point at one, give it a try and then move on to the next. I’ve never been one for the tipple of grandma’s BUT I truly enjoyed my samplings. The bar staff just keep a running tab chalked on the bar next to you. It’s only a small place but is a very popular starting point for an evenings wandering and tapas tasting.

 

Address: Calle Alameda Principal 18
Directions: Look out for the BIG wooden doors. It’s situated on the main drag, the road that runs parrallel along side the port, near the flower sellers, next to large modern book shop.