Tag: food

An Unforgettable Dining Experience at Bens d’Avail

So here we were on a beautiful summeresque Saturday, thinking it would be a brilliant idea to take a little road trip and go for a lunch excursion. And what an excursion it turned out to be!! Off we cruised to that beautiful little town of Deia, well we were actually just outside town, on a Mountain, where there was the place of all places, Béns d´Avall. I Almost couldn’t believe my eyes when we arrived. First of all, the view, was just hanging there like a priceless painting, it was unbelievable. The most spectacular view I have got to enjoy while having an equally as spectacular meal. This was the topper of all the places that I have had the pleasure of visiting while in Mallorca, not to mention one of the best restaurants in my 9 years of travelling the world. We got there before it opened, to my dismay…IMG_5609IMG_5610 As after the little road trip, I really had to Pee!!! Darn it… and we had like 45 minutes till it opened.. It’s amazing how long 45 minutes can feel, when you have a bursting bladder! But none the less, we took a little walk to check out the beautiful scenery.IMG_5607 I already knew I was going to absolutely love this establishment. It had the perfect energy and ambiance to it all. The minute I heard the gate open though, it was like heavens gates opening! And I ran straight for the relief of the ladies room;) Happy days! And then when I walked out onto the terrace I was welcomed with this stunning vision, literally, stop in your tracks kinda stunning, the view and the table. IMG_5614 Wow. This alone was enough reason to come. IMG_5612Béns d´Avall has been here since 1971, it is owned by Benet Vicens(whom is also the chef), and his wife, Catalina Encrypt, together with their son James, whom is the second Chef to his father, and they are all absolutely LOVELY, might I add. So friendly, and inviting, and you can see they are there because they are doing what they love, and they want nothing more than to create a memorable experience for all of their guests. It is located in the most pristine location, right with mother nature, and all she has to offer. They have a set menu every day, that changes monthly, and offers only the finest cuisine, with local products from Mallorca. You have the option of the Express Menu for 50 Euros, the Short Tasting Menu for 65 Euros, or the Full Tasting Menu for 75 Euros! Well if you are going to come this far, you mine as well go for the full one:)IMG_5619 I decided it was only fitting to start off with a glass of Cava(Similar to Champagne), I mean being in that place at that moment, was somethinIMG_5624g to be celebrated, and bubbly always makes things seem like that much more of a celebration. Once we had put in our order for the full menu, it wasn’t long before the incredible culinary delights began to arrive. I think ‘Delight’ may even be an understatement. Mr. Vicens, knows exactly what he is doing in the kitchen. It’s Amazing. Of course, we were offered fresh bread to start, with olive oil for dipping, along with some little finger snacks,IMG_5626 to get the palette ready. I had no idea, that the full menu, is basically endless, and you best come prepared with your biggest appetite…. BUT, when the food is that salivating, you can make sure to keep eating whatever pleasure they put in front of you. Once we started our magical taste bud journey, I knew I had to combine it with a fine Mallorcan wine(I wanted to keep the experience as local as possible), I had the beautiful Catalina assist me in my choice, and it was a fantastic choice indeed! I ended up taking a red wine that goes by the name of ’12 Volts’, which is a Crianza make. IMG_5629Delicious! It paired very well with all the courses. I will be buying more from the shop for sure!

IMG_5628 We started with a Mallorcan pizzaIMG_5631 Next up was a Free range chicken Crepe Souffle with artichokes and black truffle.IMG_5632Then we were onto Foie Gras 2014. IMG_5660 To be followed by the fish, which was Ray Pave with Black butter, wild green asparagus and capers.IMG_5661 What follows fish but the meat dish! Candied and spiced Sierra de Tramontana lamb with legumes and winter vegetables. IMG_5663 IMG_5664 After all those courses, you have 2 desserts!! What the?! it just keeps on coming. You definitely get your moneys worth. And one more thing to boot!! IMG_5665

Well 7 courses and 3 hours later, and we were beyond stuffed, with absolute lusciousness. It was very nice that it is spread out over such a long period of time, you really get the opportunity to savour every morsel, and not rush through it, not to mention there is no one pushing you rush either. After it all, we still managed to have a coffee, it was kinda necessary or we would have succumbed to food coma, and never made the drive home;) They were so sweet, to even bring the whole crew out and take a photo with us. IMG_5662 All the people that play their part in creating an astonishing experience. What can I say. Amazing Venue, Amazing People, Amazing Food and Wine. I will be back there, FOR SURE! The end. Or maybe I should say, to be continued… This could be a monthly stop, since the menu is always changing;) Thank you Béns d´Avall!!

One Fine Day in Mallorca

When in Mallorca a must visit restaurant is Meson Ca’n Pedro, located in the little village called Genova, right on the outskirts of Palma.  So that being said, we had no choice… It had to be given a go.

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It serves up some of the most delicious real Mallorquin cuisine on the island, as real as it gets.  It was first startIMG_4323ed in 1976, by a couple named Pedro and Ana, and they obviously knew exactly what they were doing since it’s still absolutely thriving, even being re-done in 1991 to make it a larger establishment, so it can fit in its popularity:)  Its nestled right in between some little mountains, absolutely gorgeous location.  It’s huge!  You walk through the iron archway, and up the steps, and you are greeted with some nice green grassy manicured lawn areas, and then at the top of the steps, there is a playground, which is great, gives the children some extra excitement to burn off some of their endless energy:)

We walked in and the place was going off!! Super packed, and a line up waiting for tables.  Yes, looks like we picked the right spot.  We are off to a good start!  The interior is total Spanish style, and there are Iberian hams hanging from the ceiling, some ranging in prices up to 600 Euros! I mean it is a typical Spanish thing, but to pay that much, you would really have to love your ham.  This place is all about meat, so if you are vegetarian, it may not be so appealing to you.  Well as long as you’re not bothered having meat staring you in the face, tIMG_4310here are for sure options for you on the menu.  Endless food choices.  Ok, well perhaps that’s a bit exaggerated, eventually the menu does end…

Once we were seated at our table, and had a gander at our menu, we got right in there ordering some of the must try snacks.  There was fresh bread, garlic aioli, local Mallorquin tomatoes, garlic cloves, and olives.  What you got to do is cut a piece of garlic in half, then rub it on your bread, after that, you cut the tomato in half, and also rub that on your bread. you can then dip it in some olive oil, or put some aioli on top, holy man, soooo freaken good! And very entertaining.   While doing this, we had this great view of the mountains out the windows, and a handsome waiter to boot;) Details always set the ambiance of the experience.

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Once we were done basking in the incredibleness of our starters, it was time for course two!  We both opted for the roast lamb, even though apparently thIMG_5365[1]ey are famous for their rabbit dishes… Nailed it though!!! once again… Man we are so good at this.  The meat was barely hanging onto the bone, which made it that much easier to get in our mouths.  Literally, was so flavorful, tender and delicious.  It was accompanied with some roast potatoes and salad.  I don’t eat a lot of meat, but having meat and potatoes, is like a piece of IMG_5352home.. Gives me a moment to reminisce about when I was growing up.  Haha, nothing like a good ol flashback;) That meal was a total winner!  We thought about dessert, but there was no way, no possible way… Can you say ‘Stuffed’.  Although there was a great selection of homemade desserts, from cheesecake, tiramisu, chocolate mousse cake, to banoffee cake, just to name a few.  You will never leave this place hungry. By time we left, the place had emptied out quite a bit, just perfect for me to snap a few pics.  From what I am told, and what I observed with my own peepers, this place is always busy.  I can say for sure, I am not surprised!

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The fun didn’t stop there though!! After we finished up at this gem of a restaurant, we ventured on up the mountain, driving on the little loopy road, right to the top, where there is this little cafe with the most spectacular view! It’s not really a place to go for an amazing meal, but it’s a fantastic spot to go and have a coffee and take in the stunning view of Palma.  Once again, being winter, its quiet, so we had the whole place to ourselves! Like our own private venue.

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WOW!! is exactly what I thought while I was gazing out the window.  I mean look at that would you, that is a vision if you ask me;)

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We oIMG_4337rdered a couple “Cafe con Leche’s”, and just took it all in.  So much so, that we had to invite another friend, this is something to be shared! I am sure you agree:) And we sat there till the sun went down, way down, till it was gone, and the sky was black, and PTown was lit right up!  I mean really, how can you not want to embrace every moment of that amazingness, it doesn’t get much better than this! What can I say, another epic day in Mallorca, and absolutely unforgettable, that is nothing less than one I would highly recommend!! Never a dull moment around here;)

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