The Restaurant
Raymond Blanc hosted a new BBC 2 show last night, that is meant to be to foodies what "The Apprentice" is to "business people".
True enough it showcased a group of restaurant wanabees, many of whom were staggeringly incompetent and naive. However, much like "The Apprentice", it is very clearly staged (the hapless wanabees had one week to open for business) and bears no resemblance to the reality of setting up and running a restaurant.
When Alan Sugar dealt with his apprentice failures, the encounter took place in a "Star Trek" style board room mock up. Blanc, for reasons that baffle me, chooses to take his "apprentices" to task in a room decorated like a brothel.
If you like watching people fail and cry, then this is the show for you; you certainly won't learn anything about food from this show.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
The Price of Meat
The Price of Meat
Those of you who enjoy flesh, as indeed I do, will be concerned to know that the price of meat in the UK is going to rise.
Meat prices will rise as farmers pass on the rise in costs of wheat and animal feed. Deloittes report that the costs of these items have almost doubled for farmers.
Deloittes warn that the price rises are vital, as the industry is at "breaking point" after the recent foot-and-mouth scare and floods.
The bad weather has not just been confined to the UK, but to key grain growing areas such as Canada and parts of Europe. There are now fears of a grain shortfall, exacerbated by the rising demand from the biofuel industry which uses the grain to produce ethanol for cars.
The Labour government's "Islington centred" neglect of the countryside for the last 10 years will come home back to haunt them.
Those of you who enjoy flesh, as indeed I do, will be concerned to know that the price of meat in the UK is going to rise.
Meat prices will rise as farmers pass on the rise in costs of wheat and animal feed. Deloittes report that the costs of these items have almost doubled for farmers.
Deloittes warn that the price rises are vital, as the industry is at "breaking point" after the recent foot-and-mouth scare and floods.
The bad weather has not just been confined to the UK, but to key grain growing areas such as Canada and parts of Europe. There are now fears of a grain shortfall, exacerbated by the rising demand from the biofuel industry which uses the grain to produce ethanol for cars.
The Labour government's "Islington centred" neglect of the countryside for the last 10 years will come home back to haunt them.
Friday, August 17, 2007
The World's Most Expensive Dessert
The World's Most Expensive Dessert
The golden plum souffle, a British creation, has made the Top Ten of the world's most expensive desserts (it came tenth); the list is compiled Forbes Traveler magazine.
The golden plum souffle costs £24, and is served at the Waterside Inn in Bray, Berkshire.
The dish is the creation of Michel Roux, and contains mirabelle plums, a delicacy from Alsace in France.
Top of the list was Fortress Aquamarine, costing £7,300, available in Galle, Sri Lanka. This contains an 80-carat aquamarine which is balanced on an upright sliver of chocolate shaped like the resort's logo. It comes with cassata served in a vase of sugar.
Oddly enough, no one has bought this absurdly priced dessert yet.
The golden plum souffle, a British creation, has made the Top Ten of the world's most expensive desserts (it came tenth); the list is compiled Forbes Traveler magazine.
The golden plum souffle costs £24, and is served at the Waterside Inn in Bray, Berkshire.
The dish is the creation of Michel Roux, and contains mirabelle plums, a delicacy from Alsace in France.
Top of the list was Fortress Aquamarine, costing £7,300, available in Galle, Sri Lanka. This contains an 80-carat aquamarine which is balanced on an upright sliver of chocolate shaped like the resort's logo. It comes with cassata served in a vase of sugar.
Oddly enough, no one has bought this absurdly priced dessert yet.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Spicy Chicken
Spicy Chicken
Here is my recipe for Spicy Chicken.
Ingredients (per person)
-1 or 2 fresh chicken quarters
-4 cloves of garlic, chopped
-2 Scotch Bonnets, chopped
-2 long sweet peppers, sliced in half
-A generous portion of tomato puree
-A good dollop of Tabasco
-A good dollop of Peri Peri
-A good spoonful of cayenne pepper
-A good spoonful of paprika pepper
-A drizzle of olive oil
-Black pepper
Method
-Mix all the ingredients (except for the chicken and the sweet peppers) together
-Smear the chicken on all sides with the mixture, massage your bird well with the mixture
-Place the chicken into an oven dish and cover the chicken with the sweet peppers
-Drizzle with olive oil
-Allow to rest for an hour or so
-Roast in an oven at 180 for around 45 minutes, until cooked.
Serve with rice or saute spuds.
Here is my recipe for Spicy Chicken.
Ingredients (per person)
-1 or 2 fresh chicken quarters
-4 cloves of garlic, chopped
-2 Scotch Bonnets, chopped
-2 long sweet peppers, sliced in half
-A generous portion of tomato puree
-A good dollop of Tabasco
-A good dollop of Peri Peri
-A good spoonful of cayenne pepper
-A good spoonful of paprika pepper
-A drizzle of olive oil
-Black pepper
Method
-Mix all the ingredients (except for the chicken and the sweet peppers) together
-Smear the chicken on all sides with the mixture, massage your bird well with the mixture
-Place the chicken into an oven dish and cover the chicken with the sweet peppers
-Drizzle with olive oil
-Allow to rest for an hour or so
-Roast in an oven at 180 for around 45 minutes, until cooked.
Serve with rice or saute spuds.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Restaurant 7 Portes
Restaurant 7 Portes
Paseig Isabel II
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 319 30 33
Website www.7portes.com
Overview
Whilst Eva and I were on holiday in Spain we took the opportunity to study the hotel guidebook of recommended restaurants, and Eva came across the Restaurant 7 Portes.
Here is how they describe themselves on their website:
"Originally called "Cafe de les 7 Portes", this establishment opened in 1836. Its over 150 years of excellence since then have made today's "Restaurant de les 7 Portes" the most classic of Barcelona's eating-places. It is housed in the "Portics d'en Xifre", a building declared a national monument that was, incidentally, the first place in Barcelona where running water was installed and the back drop for the first photograph ever taken in Spain, In 1942, it became the property of Paco Parellada, founder of one of the fore most dynasties of restaurateurs in all of Catalonia.
At "7 Portes", any time without interruption from one in the afternoon to one in the morning every day of the year, you can enjoy the finest Catalan cooking in an intimate setting or in one of the spacious banquet halls, accompanied by Spain's best wines and "cavas" (sparking wines) from the well-stocked cellar."
With a write up like that we simply had to go along and try it out for ourselves.
By the way, the list of famous diners is quite entertaining eg; Bo Derek, John Wayne and Yoko Ono have all dined there.
Ambience
We went along on a Friday evening, rather boldly without booking. We were a tad concerned on arriving to see that there was a queue of people waiting outside the restaurant, being marshaled by a doorman and head waiter. The restaurant, as could be seen through the window, was very large but also very full. The question dominating our thoughts was whether we would get in or not.
Within two minutes of arriving in the queue, the head waiter appeared and took our names and placed them on a list. Less than five minutes later, he came out again and called us to a table.
Excellent!
Quite clearly the flow through of people, and size of the restaurant means that waiting times are not at all excessive. The additional plus point being that 7 Portes is open until 1:00. However, I would recommend that if you are in a large group you make a reservation, just to be on the safe side.
The 7 Portes has a number of private dining rooms (accommodating from between 2 to 70 people) and the main public dining room, which is fashioned in the style of a grand Victorian cafe. Absolutely delightful, bright, cheerful, stylish and full of energy and life. Cafe style dining of the "old school".
The tables were laid with linen clothes and napkins, and the waiters dressed in the white uniforms reminiscent of ships' stewards. All adding to the atmosphere.
Menu
The menu offered a magnificent selection of Catalan dishes including; ham, "Esqueixada" (salt cod salad), cannelloni, salt cod fritters, Black rice Emporda style (with cuttle-fish and its ink), paella, Senyor Cortina's oven-baked langoustines, black or white sausage with haricot beans, roast suckling pig, roast shoulder of kid etc.
The portions were of the hearty variety, I am pleased to say.
I was therefore quite concerned to observe the English gentleman on the table next to us, meandering around a most excellent and succulent sirloin steak in a most unsatisfactory manner. This place is not for people with poor, unhealthy appetites.
Service
The service was absolutely first class, efficient, friendly and polite. As already noted, we were handled very professionally at the door even though we had not made a reservation. Our waitress was absolutely delightful, complementing me on my incredibly poor grasp of the basics of the Spanish language (yes, I am easily flattered).
She was also very helpful with regard to Eva's special request for a paella without seafood but with some chicken, this was no problem at all (even though it wasn't on the menu).
Full marks, we couldn't have had better service.
Food
I started with the cannelloni, which was made in the "Spanish way" with pork. I have to say, this was a delightful starter; a good sized portion of pork mince flavoured with herbs, rolled in pasta bathed (not drowned) in a light bechamel sauce.
Splendid!
I chose the roast shoulder of kid for my main course. This was heaven on a plate. A truly magnificent joint of meat was presented to me, slow cooked so that the meat fell off the bone but cooked in manner that the meat was not dry. It had been infused with rosemary, which complimented and brought out the flavour of the kid magnificently. It came with saute potatoes and assorted vegetables.
I thoroughly recommend this dish.
Eva chose the Torronada for her starter. This was rather a jolly dish consisting of fried egg and ham, served atop a mound of fried mashed potato. I thought this rather reminiscent of an English breakfast, which in my view often makes rather a good starter for dinner.
Eva then had the specially made paella, which was a vegetable based paella with chicken pieces. It was both filling and flavoursome, a nice version of paella if you or your stomach is a little tired of seafood.
The meal, including a bottle of Torres Del Veguer, came to 93Euros.
Overall Opinion
In our view this is one of the best restaurants we have dined, in whilst in Barcelona. It has everything that you could could wish for; ambience, good service, good food and energy.
Under no circumstances miss out on the opportunity of dining there, if you ever have the good fortune to be visiting Barcelona.
We most certainly will be coming back!
Paseig Isabel II
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 319 30 33
Website www.7portes.com
Overview
Whilst Eva and I were on holiday in Spain we took the opportunity to study the hotel guidebook of recommended restaurants, and Eva came across the Restaurant 7 Portes.
Here is how they describe themselves on their website:
"Originally called "Cafe de les 7 Portes", this establishment opened in 1836. Its over 150 years of excellence since then have made today's "Restaurant de les 7 Portes" the most classic of Barcelona's eating-places. It is housed in the "Portics d'en Xifre", a building declared a national monument that was, incidentally, the first place in Barcelona where running water was installed and the back drop for the first photograph ever taken in Spain, In 1942, it became the property of Paco Parellada, founder of one of the fore most dynasties of restaurateurs in all of Catalonia.
At "7 Portes", any time without interruption from one in the afternoon to one in the morning every day of the year, you can enjoy the finest Catalan cooking in an intimate setting or in one of the spacious banquet halls, accompanied by Spain's best wines and "cavas" (sparking wines) from the well-stocked cellar."
With a write up like that we simply had to go along and try it out for ourselves.
By the way, the list of famous diners is quite entertaining eg; Bo Derek, John Wayne and Yoko Ono have all dined there.
Ambience
We went along on a Friday evening, rather boldly without booking. We were a tad concerned on arriving to see that there was a queue of people waiting outside the restaurant, being marshaled by a doorman and head waiter. The restaurant, as could be seen through the window, was very large but also very full. The question dominating our thoughts was whether we would get in or not.
Within two minutes of arriving in the queue, the head waiter appeared and took our names and placed them on a list. Less than five minutes later, he came out again and called us to a table.
Excellent!
Quite clearly the flow through of people, and size of the restaurant means that waiting times are not at all excessive. The additional plus point being that 7 Portes is open until 1:00. However, I would recommend that if you are in a large group you make a reservation, just to be on the safe side.
The 7 Portes has a number of private dining rooms (accommodating from between 2 to 70 people) and the main public dining room, which is fashioned in the style of a grand Victorian cafe. Absolutely delightful, bright, cheerful, stylish and full of energy and life. Cafe style dining of the "old school".
The tables were laid with linen clothes and napkins, and the waiters dressed in the white uniforms reminiscent of ships' stewards. All adding to the atmosphere.
Menu
The menu offered a magnificent selection of Catalan dishes including; ham, "Esqueixada" (salt cod salad), cannelloni, salt cod fritters, Black rice Emporda style (with cuttle-fish and its ink), paella, Senyor Cortina's oven-baked langoustines, black or white sausage with haricot beans, roast suckling pig, roast shoulder of kid etc.
The portions were of the hearty variety, I am pleased to say.
I was therefore quite concerned to observe the English gentleman on the table next to us, meandering around a most excellent and succulent sirloin steak in a most unsatisfactory manner. This place is not for people with poor, unhealthy appetites.
Service
The service was absolutely first class, efficient, friendly and polite. As already noted, we were handled very professionally at the door even though we had not made a reservation. Our waitress was absolutely delightful, complementing me on my incredibly poor grasp of the basics of the Spanish language (yes, I am easily flattered).
She was also very helpful with regard to Eva's special request for a paella without seafood but with some chicken, this was no problem at all (even though it wasn't on the menu).
Full marks, we couldn't have had better service.
Food
I started with the cannelloni, which was made in the "Spanish way" with pork. I have to say, this was a delightful starter; a good sized portion of pork mince flavoured with herbs, rolled in pasta bathed (not drowned) in a light bechamel sauce.
Splendid!
I chose the roast shoulder of kid for my main course. This was heaven on a plate. A truly magnificent joint of meat was presented to me, slow cooked so that the meat fell off the bone but cooked in manner that the meat was not dry. It had been infused with rosemary, which complimented and brought out the flavour of the kid magnificently. It came with saute potatoes and assorted vegetables.
I thoroughly recommend this dish.
Eva chose the Torronada for her starter. This was rather a jolly dish consisting of fried egg and ham, served atop a mound of fried mashed potato. I thought this rather reminiscent of an English breakfast, which in my view often makes rather a good starter for dinner.
Eva then had the specially made paella, which was a vegetable based paella with chicken pieces. It was both filling and flavoursome, a nice version of paella if you or your stomach is a little tired of seafood.
The meal, including a bottle of Torres Del Veguer, came to 93Euros.
Overall Opinion
In our view this is one of the best restaurants we have dined, in whilst in Barcelona. It has everything that you could could wish for; ambience, good service, good food and energy.
Under no circumstances miss out on the opportunity of dining there, if you ever have the good fortune to be visiting Barcelona.
We most certainly will be coming back!
Monday, August 06, 2007
Sedna
Sedna
Paseo Colon 5
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 268 9372
Website www.restaurantesedna.com
Overview
As noted earlier, Eva and I spent our summer vacation in Barcelona this year. Here is another place that we dined in during our time there in July.
We were ambling around late one evening and came across Sedna, which afforded us the opportunity to eat outside.
Restaurante Sedna is located on the ground floor of an 18th century building, that has been catalogued by UNESCO as Gothic Catalan art heritage. It is in front of Port Vell (Old Port) in the oldest part of the Barcelona sea facade, and is surrounded by monuments and historical buildings eg; the Colon's Monument (1888), the Church of La Merced (XII centure), the Duke of Medinaceli Place (1851), the Militar Government (1847), the Post Office Building (1927), the Via Layetana Street and the Palau Place.
It is, according to the restaurant website, the place where Don Miguel de Cervantes author of the novel Don Quijote de la Mancha went to write when he lived in Paseo Colon.
Sedna has both inside dining, for 45 persons, and outside dining for 52 persons in the terrace.
Ambience
Sedna was lively and busy, both in the terrace and inside, even though it was quite late (around 23:00).
The atmosphere was friendly, the terrace comfortable, pleasant and the tables laid with linen clothes.
Despite the fact that it was quite late, and that it was busy, there was no problem in finding a table and ordering a meal at a leisurely unhurried pace.
Menu
The menu offered a variety of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella. I would note that in contrast to some of the other restaurants that we visited the food, although Spanish, had been given more of an "international" twist in its presentation/style (ie more attention to presentation, and slightly less hearty than some other establishments).
The menu included such dishes as; goat's milk cheese & lettuce salad with honey and pine nuts vinaigrette, salad of mozarella bufala and pesto with tomatoes and small lettuces, Iberico cured ham, Magret of duck roasted with apples and Calvados, entrecote with small vegetables, ham croquettes, mussels vinaigrette style and grilled small blood sausages with onions etc.
Service
The service was very friendly, attentive and efficient; I could not fault it. Our waiter was happy to have chat with us about Barcelona and the food.
Food
I started with the Gazpacho soup, which was refreshing and piquant.
I chose the lamb for my main course. This consisted of four lamb cutlets served with vegetables and potatoes. The lamb was perfect, tender and succulent cooked just right. However, since I had been spoilt on my holiday, and had enjoyed some rather hearty portions of meat in other establishments, I couldn't help but feel that another couple of cutlets would have been in order. That, of course, is just me being greedy!
Eva opted for a selection of Tapas dishes that evening; croquettes, hams, chorizos and cheese. All of which were of good quality and fresh.
The meal, including a bottle of Vinasol, came to 91Euros.
Overall Opinion
Sedna is a good quality restaurant, located in a nice part of town. It is worth a visit should you happen to be in the area.
Paseo Colon 5
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 268 9372
Website www.restaurantesedna.com
Overview
As noted earlier, Eva and I spent our summer vacation in Barcelona this year. Here is another place that we dined in during our time there in July.
We were ambling around late one evening and came across Sedna, which afforded us the opportunity to eat outside.
Restaurante Sedna is located on the ground floor of an 18th century building, that has been catalogued by UNESCO as Gothic Catalan art heritage. It is in front of Port Vell (Old Port) in the oldest part of the Barcelona sea facade, and is surrounded by monuments and historical buildings eg; the Colon's Monument (1888), the Church of La Merced (XII centure), the Duke of Medinaceli Place (1851), the Militar Government (1847), the Post Office Building (1927), the Via Layetana Street and the Palau Place.
It is, according to the restaurant website, the place where Don Miguel de Cervantes author of the novel Don Quijote de la Mancha went to write when he lived in Paseo Colon.
Sedna has both inside dining, for 45 persons, and outside dining for 52 persons in the terrace.
Ambience
Sedna was lively and busy, both in the terrace and inside, even though it was quite late (around 23:00).
The atmosphere was friendly, the terrace comfortable, pleasant and the tables laid with linen clothes.
Despite the fact that it was quite late, and that it was busy, there was no problem in finding a table and ordering a meal at a leisurely unhurried pace.
Menu
The menu offered a variety of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella. I would note that in contrast to some of the other restaurants that we visited the food, although Spanish, had been given more of an "international" twist in its presentation/style (ie more attention to presentation, and slightly less hearty than some other establishments).
The menu included such dishes as; goat's milk cheese & lettuce salad with honey and pine nuts vinaigrette, salad of mozarella bufala and pesto with tomatoes and small lettuces, Iberico cured ham, Magret of duck roasted with apples and Calvados, entrecote with small vegetables, ham croquettes, mussels vinaigrette style and grilled small blood sausages with onions etc.
Service
The service was very friendly, attentive and efficient; I could not fault it. Our waiter was happy to have chat with us about Barcelona and the food.
Food
I started with the Gazpacho soup, which was refreshing and piquant.
I chose the lamb for my main course. This consisted of four lamb cutlets served with vegetables and potatoes. The lamb was perfect, tender and succulent cooked just right. However, since I had been spoilt on my holiday, and had enjoyed some rather hearty portions of meat in other establishments, I couldn't help but feel that another couple of cutlets would have been in order. That, of course, is just me being greedy!
Eva opted for a selection of Tapas dishes that evening; croquettes, hams, chorizos and cheese. All of which were of good quality and fresh.
The meal, including a bottle of Vinasol, came to 91Euros.
Overall Opinion
Sedna is a good quality restaurant, located in a nice part of town. It is worth a visit should you happen to be in the area.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Advice For Barbecues
Advice For Barbecues
Now that the sun has finally deigned to shine upon Britain, people will be making the most of this short period of warmth and making merry with their barbecues.
Just as Eva and I did the other night.
Unfortunately the warm weather also brings out that perennial nuisance, and scourge of outdoor eating, the wasp.
May I commend that you have to hand a stout package of gammon steaks. This is a most excellent and sturdy weapon to use to fend off/exterminate all manner of wasps and bugs.
Now that the sun has finally deigned to shine upon Britain, people will be making the most of this short period of warmth and making merry with their barbecues.
Just as Eva and I did the other night.
Unfortunately the warm weather also brings out that perennial nuisance, and scourge of outdoor eating, the wasp.
May I commend that you have to hand a stout package of gammon steaks. This is a most excellent and sturdy weapon to use to fend off/exterminate all manner of wasps and bugs.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Trobador
Trobador
Rambla Catalunya 2
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 318 40 41
Website www.restaurantetrobador.com
Overview
On our first evening in Barcelona, Eva and I were wandering around acclimatising ourselves and looking for somewhere to eat. It was late, around 11:00pm, so we were quite peckish by this stage.
We chanced upon a very lively venue called Trobador.
Trobador is a bar and restaurant that serves a variety of Spanish dishes, grills and Tapas in an informal atmosphere.
Ambience
Trobador was very lively and packed bar/restaurant; well lit, bright, cheerful and bustling. We didn't think that we would be able to find a table. However, we were assured that if we waited for ten minutes, at the bar, a table would be found.
I am delighted to say that they kept their word, and a table was found for us within five minutes.
Menu
The menu offered a good selection of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella.
Service
The service was very efficient and courteous. However, I would suggest that maybe our waitress could learn to smile a little more readily.
Food
This being Spain, I started with the egg and chips...don't laugh, I was hungry and wondered how they would present them.
I have to say I was rather impressed, two large eggs sprinkled with chili powder were presented atop a pile of fries.
I rather enjoyed this dish, despite Eva castigating me for being so "British":)
I chose the Catalan sausage and beans for my main course. This consisted of a most excellent, large and porky herbed sausage served with cannellini beans. An ideal meal for the weary traveller.
Eva started with the Iberian ham, which was a generous portion of local smoked ham.
She then had a selection of sausages and sauteed potatoes. The sausages were first class, one being spicy the others being variations on the version of mine.
An absolutely splendid introduction to our holiday.
The meal included a bottle of Chablis, unfortunately I have lost the bill. However, I can assure you it was less than 60Euros.
Overall Opinion
A great place, good fun and good food; give it a go!
Rambla Catalunya 2
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 318 40 41
Website www.restaurantetrobador.com
Overview
On our first evening in Barcelona, Eva and I were wandering around acclimatising ourselves and looking for somewhere to eat. It was late, around 11:00pm, so we were quite peckish by this stage.
We chanced upon a very lively venue called Trobador.
Trobador is a bar and restaurant that serves a variety of Spanish dishes, grills and Tapas in an informal atmosphere.
Ambience
Trobador was very lively and packed bar/restaurant; well lit, bright, cheerful and bustling. We didn't think that we would be able to find a table. However, we were assured that if we waited for ten minutes, at the bar, a table would be found.
I am delighted to say that they kept their word, and a table was found for us within five minutes.
Menu
The menu offered a good selection of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella.
Service
The service was very efficient and courteous. However, I would suggest that maybe our waitress could learn to smile a little more readily.
Food
This being Spain, I started with the egg and chips...don't laugh, I was hungry and wondered how they would present them.
I have to say I was rather impressed, two large eggs sprinkled with chili powder were presented atop a pile of fries.
I rather enjoyed this dish, despite Eva castigating me for being so "British":)
I chose the Catalan sausage and beans for my main course. This consisted of a most excellent, large and porky herbed sausage served with cannellini beans. An ideal meal for the weary traveller.
Eva started with the Iberian ham, which was a generous portion of local smoked ham.
She then had a selection of sausages and sauteed potatoes. The sausages were first class, one being spicy the others being variations on the version of mine.
An absolutely splendid introduction to our holiday.
The meal included a bottle of Chablis, unfortunately I have lost the bill. However, I can assure you it was less than 60Euros.
Overall Opinion
A great place, good fun and good food; give it a go!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
El Cafe D'en Victor
Restaurant El Cafe D'en Victor
Tapineria 12
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 310 2872
Overview
One particularly fine and warm evening in Barcelona Eva and I decided to dine alfresco, and descended upon El Cafe D'en Victor.
El Cafe D'en Victor is a restaurant with outside terrace, near the old town.
El Cafe D'en Victor serves a mixture of traditional Spanish dishes and Tapas, using local ingredients.
Ambience
El Cafe D'en Victor is a pleasant lively restaurant near the old town. The outside area, where we sat, was busy but we were able to find a table that afforded us a decent view without being "plonked" in the middle of the passing tourists or wandering musicians.
Menu
The menu provided a good selection of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella.
Service
The service was very friendly, good humoured, efficient and courteous.
Food
I started with the Gazpacho soup. This was a most excellent dish, chilled to perfection, it was generous in portion and in body. The taste of tomatoes was stimulating but not overbearing.
Eva started with a tortilla potatas (potato omelet), which was firm and well stuffed with potato. The taste and texture was just right.
We accompanied our starters with bread rubbed with tomatoes, garlic and drizzled in olive oil.
We both chose paella for our main courses. I had the chicken paella and Eva the fish.
My paella was absolutely first class, a very generous portion served in an iron paella pan. There was a more than ample portion of tender chicken pieces in the rice, which itself was cooked in chicken stock and was unctuous and delightfully claggy.
I was thoroughly delighted with my choice.
Eva's seafood paella was equally good, again served in an iron paella pan. The rice had been cooked in a seafood stock that was flavoursome, but not overpowering. The paella itself contained a variety of fish; prawns, squid, mussels etc.
An excellent meal!
The meal, which included a bottle of local wine, came to 68Euros.
Overall Opinion
A very pleasant meal and restaurant, it is ideal for lunch or dinner alfresco.
Tapineria 12
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 310 2872
Overview
One particularly fine and warm evening in Barcelona Eva and I decided to dine alfresco, and descended upon El Cafe D'en Victor.
El Cafe D'en Victor is a restaurant with outside terrace, near the old town.
El Cafe D'en Victor serves a mixture of traditional Spanish dishes and Tapas, using local ingredients.
Ambience
El Cafe D'en Victor is a pleasant lively restaurant near the old town. The outside area, where we sat, was busy but we were able to find a table that afforded us a decent view without being "plonked" in the middle of the passing tourists or wandering musicians.
Menu
The menu provided a good selection of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella.
Service
The service was very friendly, good humoured, efficient and courteous.
Food
I started with the Gazpacho soup. This was a most excellent dish, chilled to perfection, it was generous in portion and in body. The taste of tomatoes was stimulating but not overbearing.
Eva started with a tortilla potatas (potato omelet), which was firm and well stuffed with potato. The taste and texture was just right.
We accompanied our starters with bread rubbed with tomatoes, garlic and drizzled in olive oil.
We both chose paella for our main courses. I had the chicken paella and Eva the fish.
My paella was absolutely first class, a very generous portion served in an iron paella pan. There was a more than ample portion of tender chicken pieces in the rice, which itself was cooked in chicken stock and was unctuous and delightfully claggy.
I was thoroughly delighted with my choice.
Eva's seafood paella was equally good, again served in an iron paella pan. The rice had been cooked in a seafood stock that was flavoursome, but not overpowering. The paella itself contained a variety of fish; prawns, squid, mussels etc.
An excellent meal!
The meal, which included a bottle of local wine, came to 68Euros.
Overall Opinion
A very pleasant meal and restaurant, it is ideal for lunch or dinner alfresco.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Restaurant Ria De Vigo
Restaurant Ria De Vigo
Sevilla 84
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 932 215 131
Overview
Eva and I were recently in Barcelona on a well deserved holiday. We decided to pop into Rio De Vigo, one of the numerous restaurants/cafes that are by the sea at Platja de Sant Miquel, for lunch.
It was a glorious sunny day, and we decided to sit at a table outside under one of the sun umbrellas.
Rio De Vigo serves a mixture of seafood and meat dishes, using local ingredients.
Ambience
Rio de Vigo is a pleasant restaurant near the seafront. The outside area, where we sat, was clean fresh and well shaded by the umbrellas. Although it was busy, the tables were not packed together too closely to make it feel unpleasant.
Menu
The menu provided an excellent selection of seafood and meat dishes including; the obligatory paella (in various guises), locally caught fish, steaks and pasta.
Service
The service was very friendly, efficient and courteous.
Food
I started with green peppers fried in olive oil and generously salted with sea salt. A most excellent dish, piquant and flavoursome.
I chose a sirloin steak for my main course, garnished with peppers and fires. The meat was of good quality, tender and had a decent layer of fat.
I have no complaints at all.
Eva started with fried prawns. This was a most excellent starter, consisting of a generous plateful of prawns in their shells that had been dipped in flour then fried in olive oil. The taste was piquant and fresh.
Eva then chose the veal escalope for her main course. This was covered in bread crumbs and fried, and garnished with fries and a salad. It was a reasonable effort, not the best that I have seen (as the meat was a little darker and drier than I would prefer); however, it was perfectly adequate.
The meal, which included a jug of Cava Sangria, a beer and two Irish coffees (well, it was our last day!), came to 88Euros.
Overall Opinion
A perfectly decent and fun seaside restaurant, worth visiting on a hot day.
Sevilla 84
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 932 215 131
Overview
Eva and I were recently in Barcelona on a well deserved holiday. We decided to pop into Rio De Vigo, one of the numerous restaurants/cafes that are by the sea at Platja de Sant Miquel, for lunch.
It was a glorious sunny day, and we decided to sit at a table outside under one of the sun umbrellas.
Rio De Vigo serves a mixture of seafood and meat dishes, using local ingredients.
Ambience
Rio de Vigo is a pleasant restaurant near the seafront. The outside area, where we sat, was clean fresh and well shaded by the umbrellas. Although it was busy, the tables were not packed together too closely to make it feel unpleasant.
Menu
The menu provided an excellent selection of seafood and meat dishes including; the obligatory paella (in various guises), locally caught fish, steaks and pasta.
Service
The service was very friendly, efficient and courteous.
Food
I started with green peppers fried in olive oil and generously salted with sea salt. A most excellent dish, piquant and flavoursome.
I chose a sirloin steak for my main course, garnished with peppers and fires. The meat was of good quality, tender and had a decent layer of fat.
I have no complaints at all.
Eva started with fried prawns. This was a most excellent starter, consisting of a generous plateful of prawns in their shells that had been dipped in flour then fried in olive oil. The taste was piquant and fresh.
Eva then chose the veal escalope for her main course. This was covered in bread crumbs and fried, and garnished with fries and a salad. It was a reasonable effort, not the best that I have seen (as the meat was a little darker and drier than I would prefer); however, it was perfectly adequate.
The meal, which included a jug of Cava Sangria, a beer and two Irish coffees (well, it was our last day!), came to 88Euros.
Overall Opinion
A perfectly decent and fun seaside restaurant, worth visiting on a hot day.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Barcelona
Barcelona
Eva and I have just returned from a most excellent and enjoyable holiday in Barcelona, where we tried out some more superb local restaurants.
We also had time to pop into a couple of old haunts, and are happy to say that they were as good as before.
el Yantar de la ribera, which specialises in oven roast baby lamb, was again absolutely superb; we had a sumptuous meal of peppers, sausages and lamb (wine, food and liqueurs came to 105Euros).
Mi Burrito y Yo (My Donkey and I), a charming and lively steak house, was also a pleasure to revisit. We had a lovely meal of tortilla, soup, succulent barbecued chicken and barbecued pork; including wine, this came to 78Euros.
I will update the site with details of the other restaurants that we visited over the coming days.
Eva and I have just returned from a most excellent and enjoyable holiday in Barcelona, where we tried out some more superb local restaurants.
We also had time to pop into a couple of old haunts, and are happy to say that they were as good as before.
el Yantar de la ribera, which specialises in oven roast baby lamb, was again absolutely superb; we had a sumptuous meal of peppers, sausages and lamb (wine, food and liqueurs came to 105Euros).
Mi Burrito y Yo (My Donkey and I), a charming and lively steak house, was also a pleasure to revisit. We had a lovely meal of tortilla, soup, succulent barbecued chicken and barbecued pork; including wine, this came to 78Euros.
I will update the site with details of the other restaurants that we visited over the coming days.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Food Safe For Olympics
Food Safe For Olympics
China has reassured prospective visitors and athletes to next year's Olympics, that the food is safe and that they should not be concerned by recent Chinese food scandals; as many safety measures are being put in place for the Games.
China's food inspectors announced last week that a six-month crackdown had uncovered industrial oils, acid, cancer-causing chemicals and other dangerous ingredients in thousands of everyday foods sold domestically.
Beijing State Administration for Industry and Commerce said that dangers do exist, but it is taking extensive measures to ensure quality and safety in 2008.
Round-the-clock guards will be on duty in Olympic kitchens, food storage areas will be under video surveillance and food transport vehicles will be fitted with global positioning systems.
White mice will also be used to test food to be consumed by the athletes.
China has reassured prospective visitors and athletes to next year's Olympics, that the food is safe and that they should not be concerned by recent Chinese food scandals; as many safety measures are being put in place for the Games.
China's food inspectors announced last week that a six-month crackdown had uncovered industrial oils, acid, cancer-causing chemicals and other dangerous ingredients in thousands of everyday foods sold domestically.
Beijing State Administration for Industry and Commerce said that dangers do exist, but it is taking extensive measures to ensure quality and safety in 2008.
Round-the-clock guards will be on duty in Olympic kitchens, food storage areas will be under video surveillance and food transport vehicles will be fitted with global positioning systems.
White mice will also be used to test food to be consumed by the athletes.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Rotten Carrots
Rotten Carrots
Commiserations to Prince Charles, champion of organic farming, who has had his carrots rejected by Sainsbury's as they were deemed to be "rotten".
Sainsbury's also rejected carrots supplied by the head of the Soil Association, Patrick Holden.
Sainsbury's stated that the crop was rotten, because it had been kept in a cold storage centre since being harvested last year. A spokeswoman said:
"They put the carrots in cold storage near their farms, where they suffered rapid deterioration and as a result we have had to reject the remainder of the crop."
Mr Holden said his carrots were sent by truck from his farm in Wales to a packing plant in Peterborough. He said the "quality issues" were "at least in part caused by transport".
"The truth is, if you buy your carrots in Sainsbury's, they will only come from this one pack house in Peterborough.
I haven't got anything in for Sainsbury's. My issue is that all supermarkets have adopted this policy of centralisation of supply."
Commiserations to Prince Charles, champion of organic farming, who has had his carrots rejected by Sainsbury's as they were deemed to be "rotten".
Sainsbury's also rejected carrots supplied by the head of the Soil Association, Patrick Holden.
Sainsbury's stated that the crop was rotten, because it had been kept in a cold storage centre since being harvested last year. A spokeswoman said:
"They put the carrots in cold storage near their farms, where they suffered rapid deterioration and as a result we have had to reject the remainder of the crop."
Mr Holden said his carrots were sent by truck from his farm in Wales to a packing plant in Peterborough. He said the "quality issues" were "at least in part caused by transport".
"The truth is, if you buy your carrots in Sainsbury's, they will only come from this one pack house in Peterborough.
I haven't got anything in for Sainsbury's. My issue is that all supermarkets have adopted this policy of centralisation of supply."
Friday, June 22, 2007
The Taste of London
The Taste of London
The Taste of London kicked off yesterday, in Regent's Park, and will run until 24th of June.
The festival hosts 50 of London's top chefs and restaurants.
The Times Chefs' Theatre exhibits some of the UK's most famous chefs in action.
The Speciality Beer Masterclass hosts a selection of the world's finest speciality beers.
The Wine Experience offers a daily programme of wine tastings and tutorials. Leading wine connoisseurs from around the world host tutorials and give advice on pairing wine with food.
River Cottage will have its own marquee, with appearances by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
There will also be the opportunity to sample and buy authentic local produce from a selection of the producers of food and drink from London and the South East.
The Taste will also be held in Bath and Birmingham, on 28th June-1st July and 5th July-8th July respectively.
The Taste of London kicked off yesterday, in Regent's Park, and will run until 24th of June.
The festival hosts 50 of London's top chefs and restaurants.
The Times Chefs' Theatre exhibits some of the UK's most famous chefs in action.
The Speciality Beer Masterclass hosts a selection of the world's finest speciality beers.
The Wine Experience offers a daily programme of wine tastings and tutorials. Leading wine connoisseurs from around the world host tutorials and give advice on pairing wine with food.
River Cottage will have its own marquee, with appearances by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
There will also be the opportunity to sample and buy authentic local produce from a selection of the producers of food and drink from London and the South East.
The Taste will also be held in Bath and Birmingham, on 28th June-1st July and 5th July-8th July respectively.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Organic Food Costs To Rise
Organic Food Costs To Rise
Those of you who have a liking for organic food, may find their food bills rising in the near term.
EU ministers have agreed that food accidentally contaminated with up to 0.9% GM content can still be labelled "GM free".
However, the UK's organic organisations and "purists" have promised to maintain their higher standard of 0.1% of GM content.
Promises, though, cost money.
Needless to say the extra cost will not be borne by the producers, or campaigners, but by the consumers.
The Soil Association and Organic Farmers and Growers say that farmers and growers could incur extra costs, as they seek to protect their crops from cross contamination.
These extra costs will naturally be passed on to consumers.
The organic "purists" are unrepentant, they claim that the 0.1% threshold is in line with what customers want.
Personally speaking I actively avoid anything labelled "organic", as I have no doubt that we are being "sold a pup" with this fad.
Those of you who have a liking for organic food, may find their food bills rising in the near term.
EU ministers have agreed that food accidentally contaminated with up to 0.9% GM content can still be labelled "GM free".
However, the UK's organic organisations and "purists" have promised to maintain their higher standard of 0.1% of GM content.
Promises, though, cost money.
Needless to say the extra cost will not be borne by the producers, or campaigners, but by the consumers.
The Soil Association and Organic Farmers and Growers say that farmers and growers could incur extra costs, as they seek to protect their crops from cross contamination.
These extra costs will naturally be passed on to consumers.
The organic "purists" are unrepentant, they claim that the 0.1% threshold is in line with what customers want.
Personally speaking I actively avoid anything labelled "organic", as I have no doubt that we are being "sold a pup" with this fad.
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