Firstly, the staff took ages to take our order – despite the fact that the restaurant barely had four customers – (my friend and myself included.) We were just about ready to walk out when a surly waiter came over to attend to us.

Secondly, when I ordered an Iberian pork kebab and my friend ordered a warm cod and tomato “bocadillo” (sandwich) we were not informed that my choice would take significantly longer to cook and thus it was that my friend was almost three-quarters of the way through her chosen meal, eating very slowly (all will be revealed in a minute) before I attracted the attention of the waiter to complain. I was met with a half-hearted shrug as he informed me that my meal was taking longer to cook.

On the subject of my friends meal, if it can even be called that – as when it arrived I was sure they had left some of it behind – it was barely larger than two fingers length and perhaps 2 and a half fingers breadth. Yes, I am serious. My friend commented on the fact, but being a rather tranquil sort, she started to eat without further delay. It was, she informed me, quite tasty… despite disappearing in just over two bites.

I guess that wouldn’t have been such a problem if they hadn’t priced the sandwiches at 5.70€ each! (My choice was actually larger and cheaper at €4.50!)

Strike two came when my food actually arrived. The kebab was dainty and cut open so you could see the salad inside. It was arranged artfully on the plate, with a few lashings of some cream-coloured sauce. Thinking that it smelled absolutely delicious (it was sprinkled with cinnamon) I took a tentative bite and tasted…. well, absolutely nothing. The pork was fine, not tough, and more-or-less melted in your mouth – but the taste? Well, it didn’t have any! I couldn’t even determine what ingredients had been used in the cream-coloured sauce as it was so lacking in flavour it could have been just flour and water. Now, I don’t claim to be a haute cuisine connoisseur but I know when something tastes good and when it clearly doesn’t.

While this kind of quality of food could be entirely acceptable in an economical, (but slightly grubby) menu del día café, here on what is essentially the “Golden Mile” of Marbella, I expected a lot more. Considering this restaurant is also the brainchild of one of Andalucia’s most renowned Chef’s, Dani Garcia, I cannot even tell you how disappointed I was.

I suppose that’s what happens when you expect to be transported to the lofty heights of Shangri-La and crash land in the back-waters of Ghana.

Needless to say, when the bill arrived, I didn’t leave a tip.

From an aesthetic point of view I can assure you, it couldn’t be better – the restaurant was beautiful, with white tables and chairs, lovely place settings and stylish decoration. Unfortunately, this is not a place that should be judged by its cover… considering there is virtually no content.

All this aside, I am not ruling out a visit to another La Moraga, as I continue to hear great things about the establishment in Banus and perhaps this particular one is not representative of all La Moraga’s within Southern Spain.

I will keep you updated on my findings…

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El Lago restaurant in Marbella are offering a select few the opportunity to join the chef and help prepare the haute-cuisine dishes that have earned this restaurant their Michelin star.

The price is all inclusive (dinner, cooking presentation, accomodation and breakfast) and is a mere 135 euros per person for a suite or 120 euros for a studio.

So, what’s on the menu? Well, these Masterchefs-in-the-making will get the opportunity to cook up some of the gastronomic delights that make up the “Tenth Anniversary Tasting Menu” following direction from top chef Diego del Río. There will also be an opportunity over the weekend to do some wine tasting with Paco García, director and sommelier.

For more information regarding this very special offer, check out the website: www.restauranteellago.com

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Around 60 establishments have signed up to participate in the second annual “Erotic Tapas Route” which is being held in Fuengirola town from 1^st to 21^st November. Bars and restaurants will be offering erotically designed tapas for €1,50 each. This campaign is purported as being a way to promote bars and restaurants in what is typically a slow month. And you can certainly guess why….!

Those inquisitive souls who wish to participate should collect a “tapas passport” from the Town Hall (ayuntamiento) Tourist office, or any of the included establishments. A stamp is issued after eating an erotic tapa in each venue and a prize draw will take place for those who have accumulated more than 10 stamps. (Considering there are 60 bars and restaurants participating, that shouldn’t be too hard!)

This years event will be continuing one week longer than the first “Erotic Tapas Route” which was held in 2009.

Although it’s slightly out of my way – I think I will go along just to see what they come up with! The mind boggles…

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The tradition of Tapa‘s (meaning lid or cover in Spanish) is somewhat confusing, as some say it dates back to the reign of King Alfonso 10th, between 1886 and 1931 when due to an illness, the King had to take small bites of food with some wine between meals. Once recovered from the disease, the king decreed that no wine was to be served in any of the inns of Castile, unless accompanied by something to eat. This was indeed a wise precaution to counteract the adverse effects of alcohol on those people who, through lack of money to buy a nourishing meal, drank alcohol on an empty stomach.

Alternatively, you could choose to believe what may be a more logical theory, since “tapar” literally means “to cover”. The name could simply have come from the olden day tradition of covering a cup of wine with a small piece of food to keep the flies away.

Whichever its beginnings, whether entirely humble or enviably royal, it’s fair to say that the tapa of today has evolved into something wholly international, with its influence spreading all over the world encompassing various different cuisines. The modern day tapa has become exotic, versatile and a popular way to enjoy a good meal.

From the moment you step into “Patagonia” your senses are overwhelmed by the delicious scents of cooking meats and you are met and greeted by the friendly Argentinian staff.

With a menu that consists of such yummy fares as: grilled provolone cheese – you have to try it to believe the taste, Morcilla – with its sweet, nutty flavour far removed from the greasy burnt offerings served at English breakfast cafés along the coast, Empanadas – which are delicious small fried pastries filled with a choice of either chicken or mince and vegetables, and not to mention the world-renowned meats. During a conversation with an Argentinian friend, I asked what was the reason that Argentinian meat was so popular, as nobody can deny it has international fame. He replied that the Argentinians keep their cows “very fit” and only allow them to walk and graze on their flat fields, thereby ensuring that they have hardly any fat, making a much leaner, succulent cut of meat.

If you’re stuck for what to choose and are looking for a more economical fare, try Skirt Steak “a punto”, it simply melts in your mouth and comes with a side of baked potato to satisfy even the most voracious of appetites. If you like your food a little more picante, make sure you cover it with lashings of Chimmichurri (a sauce comprised of garlic, vinegar, chilli and salt. However, oregano, pepper, thyme, onion and parsley are often added as well) for a truly authentic Argentinian experience.

A group of four can comfortably afford a wide selection of tapas – accompanied perhaps by a sparkling Lambrusco dell’ Emilia, for no other reason that this rosé wine is perfectly sweet and refreshing to the palate after such a wonderful combination of flavours.

After your (no doubt) satisfying meal you’re only a hop, skip and jump away from Marbella’s favourite night-spots such as Buddha and Mombasa should you desire to dance the night away…

Address:
Calle Acera de la Marina 2
29600 Marbella

Opening Times / Horario de Servicio

Lun / Mon: 13 – 16:00 — 20 – 23:30 h
Mar / Tues: Cerrado / Closed
Mié / Wed: 13 – 16:00 — 20 – 23:30 h
Jue / Thurs: 13 – 16:00 — 20 – 23:30 h
Vie / Fri: 13 – 16:00 — 20 – 23:30 h
Sáb / Sat: 13 – 16:00 — 20 – 23:30 h
Dom / Sun: 13 – 16:00 — 20 – 23:30 h

Website: www.grupo-patagonia.com

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3. Hard Rock Cafe Marbella in Puerto Banus

There are always many people at the new Hard Rock Cafe, so be aware that there could be a small queue to get in. But they handle it quite well and give you a small pager which vibrates when it’s your turn. Nice idea, so you can go to the bar while waiting and don’t have to actually stay in the queue

The Opening Celebration on October 29th was celebrated by Javier Ojeda from the legendary Spanish band Danza Invisible, who performed an acoustic set with two other musicians and a second set with Free Soul Band, a truly funky band from nearby Málaga.

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