Tag: restaurantreview

Eating typically traditional in Palma at La Cueva

One thing to remember when embarking on a dinner mission in Spain – ‘Most restaurants don’t open before 8’. Freaken heck though, most westerner’s don’t like to eat after 8. It can be a tad bit of an adjustment. Seeing as how I am programmed to have dinner quite early in the evening, I always tend to forget this late dinner fact.

My friends and I had dinner plans, and we decided to just wing it – meet up, be spontaneous and just find a place. It just so happened to be about 6 pm, and the streets were quite and most restaurants chained up, dark and lifeless. Yes it was way to darn early. ‘Dang’ we thought, where the heck are we gonna get some chow?!’

Long behold, we came across ‘La Cueva’. With 20 people standing outside(well maybe 10, but in dead streets it looked like 20) we figured there was a good chance it was open. We took a peak inside – and damn straight, it was OPEN! Score! We were in there like flint.

Not before having a photo shoot in front of the door.

From the entrance we had to go down a few stairs(I know from the previous photo you would assume up, BUT, it was down), and enter into the restaurant which is very much like a cool ass little cave. With ‘La Cueva’ translating to ‘The Cave’ in English, it only made sense really.


 I am all about fresh and local ingredients, and they definitely had the fresh part going on. I didn’t have a chance to ask about the local part though.


My eyes were already liking what they were seeing. Although, once menu was in hand, and you are presented with what appears to be loads of delicious plates, it ain’t so darn easy anymore.


Oh geez, what the heck to choose?! How about just one of everything?

OK, ok, that’s excessive, it would be far too much…… So we each just chose 2 tapas each for the table.

It was still way too much in the end, but at least we got to try a bit of everything. They have their system down pat, and are ready to rock with the plates at any given moment. It was very good service. The only thing I did notice was the microwave.


We were a bit shocked at how incredibly fast it came, and not being someone whom uses microwaves myself, it was a small bit daunting, but being as hungry as we all were – we weren’t about to complain, and in reality, its not like they were hiding the fact they use a microwave for some things. Everything was made fresh, and I suppose it was necessary to keep up with the capacity of clients they receive. So really, it is what it is. No biggy what-so-ever.

We opted to choose a different Vino then the one on the table, and instead went for the Jose. L. Ferrer. One of my favorite vineyards in Mallorca . We tested out a bit of everything food wise. From olives and aioli,

onward to, potatoes with aioli, mushrooms, pepper padrons(one of my all time Mallorcan favorites), Mallorcan bread and cheese.



Not to mention, shrimps still sizzling.

Calamari, octopus, and shaved ham.

img_6227 Don’t forget to share – sharing is caring.

The food was all ridiculously good to be honest, and super traditional. If there is one thing I enjoy most in life, it’s taking in as much of the local cultures and traditions where ever in the world I may be. Even when it happens to be in my own Country of Canada.

Just when we thought we were having the time and feed of our lives – in came the live music. My little world would not turn without music, and I am ALL about live music, in any and all forms. So this rocked my darn world.

In came the cavalry.

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 Pucker up princess. They were freaken awesome! And such good sports. Not to mention, I do love the accordion oh so much! I am into the most random things. I also happen to play a few tunes on the harmonica. Bet you didn’t expect that.


My time was running short in Mallorca. Even though I am never gone that long, I like to end my time here with the most Mallorcan experiences as possible. Considering we thought we were outta luck unless we waited for places to open – we were pleasantly surprised. A feast for a king – a hungry king at that. This little gem of a restaurant was absolutely great, and I would go back to ‘La Cueva‘ in a heart beat.

Hungry for some traditional tapa’s before 8 pm? Well meet me at La Cueva.

Palma pallete adventures at OMBU.

Treating your taste buds to culinary seduction is always a sensory event not to be missed. It was a ladies do dinner day, and we weren’t quite sure where to go. After gallivanting all around the city,


 enjoying the epic ambiance, and of course being awesome – we needed to pick a place to wine and dine ourselves. We were after someplace new, chic and darn delicious.

Palma has an endless selection of fab establishments to choose from. Mallorca in general actually. You could eat your little heart out with new places to try. So that being said, competition can be stiff -and my love story with Mallorca never ends.

We came across OMBU on our adventures, and having heard so many rave reviews about it, it obviously was a must try.


OMBU is part of 2 other restaurants, Forn & Koa. Each offering different menu’s, and different ambiance’s. I have eaten at both of the other establishments in the past, and had great experiences. Soooo, how could we really go wrong with this choice?!

As any foodie knows, gastronomy is the in culinary craze. Gastronomy is the concept behind OMBU, and their menu specializes in Tapa’s & Cocktails. The décor is modern chic and inviting.


‘Come on in’, it says.

Well, I don’t mind if I do.


    Always do;)

We began our OMBU experience sipping on some vino outside, indulging in some people watching.


I do so enjoy a good people watching sesh. Just about as much as I enjoy a good vino sesh. They do go really well together. Like two peas in a pod. 

Wouldn’t you agree that it’s just darn fantastic how most restaurants in Palma have little fires by the tables to keep you all toasty warm in the winter. My Northern Canadian blood likes a little chill, but a warm chill. I also love the fact I still get to sit outside. Later on though, as the sun had gone down it did get a bit too chilly to dine outside, so we moved on to get the feel for the inside, and grab a cocktail.


We both went for the Psycotonic.


It was so delish too! Made with ginger and grapefruit juice. Those just so happen to be a couple of my favorite things.

The menu had a nice little selection of Tapa’s to choose from, and in true tapas fashion, you order a few different things for the table to share.

We ended up having Spanish bread, cheeses, lamb and a couple other meat dishes.


  
The lamb in the martini glass was one of my faves! But seriously, everything was so good. Very well flavored and prepared. We were both very impressed with the food and service.


Our awesome server made sure to bring us an aperitif. Most places in Spain do always offer you a shot after your meal. It’s too good to pass up. So down the hatch it went.

We also were graced with the presence of our friend Paola for a quick catch up.


I would definetly say that if you wake up and find yourself in Palma, do give OMBU a try. It’s super good, and checked all my boxes.

Cheers to another successful dining experience.