It was always going to be one of the highlights of our Spanish saga for Martin and we have had great fun testing out as many of the tapas bars and restaurants as possible, and trying to decide on our favourites. And there are loads to choose from even though their opening hours can be a bit random.
The fresh fish here on the coast has to be savoured, from the sardine espetos to the sopa de marisco. Chorizo and anchoas also feature heavily in Martin's diet. For me the gorgeous verduras and an abundance of things like fresh avocado and mango at the local market, about £1 for half a dozen, are a treat.
The first thing we had to do was adapt to their meal times, no one eats dinner before 9.00 and we often see people stiill coming in to eat at 11.00. We have also learned that it is not the done thing to eat paella for dinner, only for lunch.
Martin is self-appointed squeezer of fresh oranges for breakfast juice, electric squeezer thoughtfully provided. We have also had to tackle the traditional Spanish style coffee maker.
A G & T here comes in a glass the size of a goldfish bowl with measures to match, well in fact they don't measure at all! Martin has practised many variations of asking for a pint, few of which actually work so he has settled for a cana grande which definitely results in a draft beer but of varying size. Tinto verano is my favoured tipple of choice, local wine with lemonade added to make my obligatory bubbles.
Sharing a selection of tasty tapas has got to be the winner although we inevitably order too much (Rob & Lesley). An ensalada mixta bursting with tuna, avo, eggs etc. is a good start along with things like skewers of chicken, peppers stuffed with cod, calamares, crispy prawn pancakes and of course, tortilla.
I can't write a food chapter without mentioning jamon. Iberico or Serrano it's the prized delicacy of the region and a leg may well be finding it's way into our luggage. Alongside some manchego cheese, cans of olive oil and possibly one or two bottles!
Unsurprisingly, after so much enjoyable indulgence we will also be carrying home our 'tapas tyres' around our middles ....... so austerity measures in force when we get home 😕
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