Local Lunch, Spain

Several posts ago, I mentioned the usual fare I enjoyed while traveling through Spain. You might also remember my post about the town of Biar, where I had a good hike. Well, I also met a couple of cats and ate a tasty lunch. Dead center in the middle of that town is a hostal type of place with a bar/restaurant downstairs. From your table you look out at the town plaza which is complete with church and fountain. We entered here looking for a bite to eat and the bartender made some good recommendations. Take a look.

On the left above you have a puff pasty with carmelized onions and mushrooms. Light and delicious that was. On the right, you have pork medallions in a heavy sauce with red peppercorns. Filling and powerful. The bartender was spot on with his suggestions and I thank him publicly for them. And here’s a view of the place.

Just what you’d expect to find in small town Spain. Too bad I can’t remember the name. No worries. It’s easy enough to find.

Published in: on June 22, 2010 at 10:17 am  Leave a Comment  
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Eating on the Road, Spain

Well, not literally eating on the road, but rather making a stop at a joint just off the highway in Spain for a much needed meal. After all, I was hiking around castles and churches all morning and worked up a good appetite. (I’ve mentioned this a lot lately here on the Bent Page.) Rolling down the exit ramp, I spotted this sign:

Man, couldn’t go wrong, right? Especially since the parking lot was loaded with trucks and construction vehicles. In I go, getting a table on the far side of the room where I could watch the crowd. Food was hearty and tasty, a good combination to refuel for more traipsing about the ruins of Spain. I enjoyed the sausage soup and here’s a photo to show you.

Service was quick, which I appreciate when enroute to the night sight. Not every meal has to be an event. Some are for strictly nutritional purposes rather than entertainment.

Published in: on June 14, 2010 at 10:35 pm  Leave a Comment  
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I’m Sleeping!

One thing that many people neglect while traveling is a fair amount of rest. Of course you’re excited to be on a journey, inspired by all the new things you see, and don’t want to miss anything. But if you’re run down, it won’t be long before your travel experience deteriorates. Make time in your schedule for the occasional nap or even half an hour with your feet up and a glass of ice-cold Coca-Cola. While in Níjar, Spain, I spotted this cat, who had the right idea.

He found a place to tuck himself in and get some much-needed rest. That’s the idea. Afterward, I’m sure he was ready to prowl the rest of the day and night, doing those essential things that cats do.

Good rest can be hard to come by, especially in age of modern air travel. But don’t ruin a good trip by neglecting it. When you’re refreshed, you’ll enjoy yourself that much more.

Published in: on June 12, 2010 at 11:18 am  Leave a Comment  
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Home Cooking, Spain

As long as we’re talking about Biar and mentioning Casa Rural Mas Fontanelles, let’s stay in this locale for the topic of home cooking. You see, we arrived at this place on a Monday, the normal day off for the staff. Similarly, we were the only ones staying at the Casa. Therefore, the owner made us supper in much the fashion he might have for his own family. Naturally, we started with a nice bottle of wine.

This particular wine was light and tasty. It went well with the entire meal. The appetizer consisted of asparagus and sun dried tomatoes sauteed in olive oil and garlic. Simple, delicious.

Those tomatoes really had tremendous flavor, not overly sweet either. The main course was roast chicken with (I think) a bit of sauté action at the end. Again, big flavor from what could have been a run of the mill entré.

Note the cherry tomatoes and artichokes on the side of the plate. Plenty of hearty vegetables for healthy eating. Dessert was simple, fresh fruit served as it comes from the source.

Note the level of wine in the bottle. That might have been the second one. Who can remember? No matter. I enjoyed this simple meal, especially the interaction with the owner as he shuttled back and forth from the nearby kitchen to our table. The only thing that could have made it better would have been his company at the table.

Published in: on June 9, 2010 at 9:49 pm  Leave a Comment  
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