Coca-Cola originally from Spain?

Imagine my shock when today I read a story in the Spanish newspapers about Coca-Cola originating in Spain! Apparently, three fellows from the town of Aielo de Malferit in Valencia created a concoction using kola nut strain and coca leaves which became a beverage known as “Nuez de Kola Cola.” Supposedly it was the same color as today’s famous beverage. At any rate, these guys attended a world exhibition in Paris circa 1880 and a drinks congress in Philadelphia in 1885. These weren’t any three amateurs either, they supplied Spain’s royalty with certain types of drinks. Bueno!

Now, regular readers of this blog know my great affection for both Spain and Coca-Cola. Therefore, while this story is intrigueing, I’m going to leave the jury out. No doubt there were numerous beverages being created during this time period. The point is that Coca-Cola rose to the top, all the way to the top, all around the world. I’ve yet to go to a place where Coca-Cola is not available, although I am still looking. Either way, Spain and Coca-Cola are two great things that should not be missed.

ENJOY!

Published in: on June 3, 2011 at 1:02 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Salamanca’s Plaza Mayor

For years I read things about the Spanish city of Salamanca. Here was established one of the world’s first universities. It’s also an ecclesiastical city with it’s share of significant church buildings. The plaza mayor is famous in its own right, and for good reason. It is a sterling example of Spain’s architectural legacy. I finally got to see it and was mightily impressed. Take a look at the photo.

There are the requisite cafes, which I mostly avoid in pursuit of more exotic settings for a meal. More important are the throngs of people passing through for business or pleasure. Here the world collides politely. The people watching is fantastic. Take your time and see as much as you can.

Published in: on June 1, 2011 at 1:47 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Túnel de Hada, Hotel and Spa

Previously, I posted about the restaurant at the Hotel and Spa known as Túnel de Hada. Now, let’s focus on the hotel. (Sadly, I did not avail myself of any spa treatments. An error I will have to correct some day.) Jerte is where this hotel is located, a small town in the middle of a green valley loaded with cherry orchards. There’s a small river running through it. More on that later. Here’s a view of the hotel from the rear. The front is on a very narrow street in town.

The building fits in the with the ancient town’s architecture. Here you see the entrance on the ground floor.

Through that glass door you go, into a reception area with a very competent desk staff. My reservation was ready and in a few moments I had the key to my room. At this point I inquired about laundry service and in another few moments, the clothing was on its way to being washed, dried, folded, and pressed, and delivered to me before the evening set in. That’s excellent, especially for a guy who needed some clean shirts. The rooms are slightly dark, but once you pull open the curtains things brighten up. Here’s the sleeping arrangement.

And opposite it was a comfortable area to sit, relax, read, or watch TV.

No, I wasn’t doing any TV watching. I was gallivanting about the town. Take a look at the view into the greenery from the room’s window.

The photo above doesn’t really do the view justice. It was a menagerie of green with the steady mumble of the river for a soundtrack. Lulls you right to sleep, especially as the cool air settles into the valley. Overall, Túnel de Hada was a comfortable and welcoming place to stay, one I would recommend to those looking for an upscale experience in both accommodations and food. Don’t forget to try the spa and let me know how it was!

Published in: on May 31, 2011 at 3:05 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Restaurante Túnel de Hada, Spain

Restaurante Túnel de Hada is located in the hotel and spa of the same name, in Jerte, Spain. The Jerte Valley itself is famous for its cherry trees and you’ll find that influence in the food prepared for you at the restaurant. Seating is divided into several areas which offers a bit of privacy/romance, which was much appreciated during my stay. Here’s a view into the spot where our table was situated.

Those ancient walls lend ambiance and gravitas to the setting. The meal began with a sort of palette cleanser, a sorbet of sorts that I find very difficult to describe. It was tasty and functional and here’s a look at the presentation.

Note the flat and hollow-ware. Very tasteful, understated, and always set upon the table with grace and care. Staff here are top notch. Well, the next course was a single, large ravioli-type pocket of pasta which was served in a bowl and then the waitress poured over a warm, creamy garlic soup. A truly simple, yet striking combination of flavors. Here it is in the combined state.

Then came the main courses. One was duck with a dense cherry sauce seen here.

Very vibrant that dish! The other was pork with the thinest slices of potato layered in, as seen next.

Both of these dishes were superb. The cherries are the most local ingredient and were integrated nicely without being overbearing. This is something I like very much about Spain. Each region, even within a region, you find specific foods that are native and used creatively. Thus, while traveling along you experience a great many treats as opposed to one long, homogenized theme. Back to Túnel de Hada. It was time for dessert. We opted for the cherry sorbet and apple tort.

Again, check out that presentation. These people work hard at getting everything right, every detail, only to have me mow it down. Respectfully, of course. If you find yourself traversing the Jerte Valley, you would be well served to enjoy a meal here. (Please note, these photos were from a visit conducted during April 2010. I only recently realized I had not previously posted them. In other words, the menu may have changed.)

Published in: on May 30, 2011 at 10:05 pm  Leave a Comment  
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