Bohemic Restaurant, Barcelona

First Impressions.

When I first arrived at the restaurant I thought the taxi driver had misunderstood my language translation and just dropper me off in a back street. My Spanish is not that good, however, I was a little early and decided to try a drink outside and if things didn’t look to good  at least I would be suitably refreshed. I was politely greeted by the owner/partner, Jon, and he confirmed my reservation, so there was no going back now. After drinks we entered the restaurant and I was pleasantly surprised, This was a typical Spanish  tapas bar with a little posh twist,  the tables were laid with white tablecloths and silver cutlery. 

 

 

The Food & Service.

The menu was in Spanish however Jon walked us through the entire menu (in English) and recommended some of his favorite dishes and he recommended a bottle of Pruno, a very tasty local red wine that was delicious. We Started with Patatas  Bravas with a sour cream & a beef reduction. This was followed by an amuse bouche of yoghurt and herbs (He called it Sour Cow) and it was delicious. Our mains were recommended and we chose the same dish “ El costellam de porc de sagas enfangat I cuit 48 hores” (Slow cooked Pork Ribs with a side of garlic oil ). These were the best ribs I have ever tasted anywhere in the world, simply delicious.  The portion size was adequate with the richness of the food and deserts were calling. We choose the Crema Catalana and “Minestra de fruits vermells crema alglesa, financier de festucs I matisos balsamic” A selection of four deserts that were simple divine.  I could not resist finishing off the evening with a small cheese board and a glass of sherry. Every course was outstanding and Jon was a superb host who kindly explained every course and attended to all our requests with a smile and a great sense of humor. 

 

Overall

This small privately run restaurant was one of the culinary highlights for me in Barcelona, fabulous food, outstanding friendly service in a quaint back street restaurant. When I return to Barcelona this will be my first choice as it stood out from every restaurant I dined in during this stay.

 

 

Service-     9/10

The Food-    9/10

Value for Money - 10/10. The meal cost £80.00 for food & wine

My Verdict-   9/10

 Would I recommend ? Yes– Would I return ? – Yes

 

La Pomme d’Amour, Rue Ap Allies, Pezananz

First Impressions.

 This cosy little restaurant located in Rue Ap Allies, Pezananz and it is a little gem. We found this place by accident, however, it was a great find. The staff were outstanding, the food fantastic and it is located in a square quaint little square along with many other restaurants.   

The Food & Service.

When we arrived the restaurant was very busy but we were seated and drinks brought to the table with the minimum of fuss.  It was fantastic to sit and drink the local wine in a relaxing atmosphere whilst we browsed the menu on a glorious summer’s day. My wife and I went for the same dish on each course which is very unusual but we were delighted that we did. For starters we had Scallops St Jacques, they were delicious, well cooked and an ample portion. This was  followed by Moules Roquefort served in a large bowl smothered in Roquefort cheese, it was simply delicious. For desert I had to have Îles flottantes (Floating Island) this is a special dish in France and I was not disappointed by the quality of the dish and I have tried many different recipes. 

Overall

This was an outstanding restaurant that ticked almost all the boxes for me. Great service and fantastic food in a comfortable atmosphere, I did not want to leave the restaurant.

Service-     10/10

The Food-    10/10

Value for Money - 9/10 

My Verdict-   9/10

 Would I recommend ? –  Yes   Would I return ? - Yes

Restaurant Farolin @ Odjo d’ Agua, Santa Maria Cape Verde

Restaurant Farolin @ Odjo d’ Agua, Santa Maria Cape Verde





First Impressions.

The restaurant is located on the sea front in the village of Santa Maria and is part of the Odjo d’ Agua Hotel. The view of the shoreline from your table is just fantastic.  The restaurant prides itself on fresh caught local seafood served every day and they did not disappoint.  

 The Food & Service.

The food here was simple and well cooked. The menu was small but it did have a mix of the usual fresh fish plates and traditional island dishes. The service was very good and the staff explained the dishes very well. I enjoyed my meal and the atmosphere in the restaurant was great, the sound the sea crashing against the rocks added to the restaurant ambiance.

 Overall

I had a great evening at the restaurant the food and the service was very good and the atmosphere inside the restaurant was great. It was busy here and it is advisable to book a table and this is testament to quality of the food and service  

Service-    9 /10

The Food-   8 /10

Value for Money 6- /10  

My Verdict-   7/10

 
 Would I recommend ? – Yes.  Would I return ? Yes

Paul Ainsworth @ No 6, Middle Street, Padstow

First Impressions.

 The restaurant is located in Middle Street, in a terraced house  next to one of Rick stein’s many Padstoe restaurants. This small quaint restaurant is divided into small dining areas but they are tastefully  decorated and it gives an intimate dining experience. We were politely greeted and shown to our table for the evening with the minimum of fuss. The waiter recommended house aperitifs, whist we browsed the menu, and they arrived promptly and tasted delicious.  

 Food & Service.

I was impressed with the food here, the menu had been carefully selected and it had a good selection of local produce. I started with Jimmy Butlers Pigs Head and my wife with Dave Thomasson  Scallops. Both dishes were fantastic and cooked to perfection, especially the smoked eel with the pork, the blend of flavor’s were great. For main course I went for the braise Ox cheek and Raw Rump & my wife played safe with Slow Cooked Veal Chop. Again both dishes were delicious. We finished the evening off with desert I had  Taste of No 6 which was a selection of mini deserts from the main deserts & my wife had the cheese board. The mini deserts were excellent and there was a good selection of cheese with treacle bread and green tomato chutney. It was well published that local seasonal ingredients were paramount  at the restaurant and that was testament  to the great flavours with the dishes. The service was outstanding throughout the night, we were comfortable and never felt rushed between courses. The waiter was friendly and knew his menu and he was also very knowledgeable with the wine and made a first rate choice for our meal 

 Overall

I was very impressed with Paul Ainsworth’s restaurant. The food was outstanding, with a service to match. Great selection of food on the menu with some interesting dishes that suited my broad pallet and this was equally balanced with some tasty alternatives. I shall look forward to my next visit. 

 Service-    10 /10

The Food-    9/10

Value for Money - 9 /10 

My Verdict-   9/10

  Would I recommend ?  Yes Would I return ? Yes