Friday 22 June 2012

Two to tapas

The word ‘tapas’ is derived from the Spanish verb ‘tapar’, which means 'to cover'. Originally, tapas was slices of meat used by drinkers in the taverns of Andalusia to cover their glasses and discourage fruit flies. Landlords also tended towards meat that was salty, such as chorizo, to encourage the punters to drink more.


Many of the cafes and restaurants along the seafront of Las Americas have tapas menus but individual dishes cost around 5-6 each so are not particularly cost effective unless you are in a larger group. However, The Castle restaurant and tapas bar offers a sharer platter at just €9.50 for 2 people.

The restaurant has two outdoor seating areas, one at the front and a second raised area at the back, which can be reached via a spiral staircase inside the turret.


The platter consists of grilled whole sardines, cheese croquettes, Spanish meatballs, tomato and onion salad on garlic bread, crispy chicken wings and omelette slices. As far as lunch goes, it is spot on – the meatballs have a little spice, the sardines have a nice char-grilled coating and the croquettes are melt-in-your-mouth cheesy. It’s fresh, light and filling all at the same time.


I imagine that The Castle prides itself on value for money. On arrival, we checked that the price advertised was per platter as opposed to per person (often the price of paella is quoted pp but based on a minimum of 2 people sharing). The promotions lady said ‘yes, €9.50 for 2 people’ but is still seemed a little vague. To confirm, we rephrased the question, ‘so not €9.50 each?’

“No!”, she exclaimed, then gave a double take and added, “Are you crazy?”




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Tuesday 19 June 2012

You win some, you lose some...

The chosen venue for England v Ukraine is Linekers bar in Starco's. Generally, midweek is quieter in Las Americas, with a noticeable incline of people on Thursdays, so we have opted for a venue that is most likely to be a popular choice.


We arrive just before the start of the game and the bar, which has several sections and an abundance of TV screens, is already packed full. Service is swift considering the crowds and a pint of Henieken just €3, which for evening trade in this area is reasonable.


The atmosphere is lively, with tourists bonding over beer and the game, and enhanced by bursts of singing and chanting. The bar's balcony has plenty of breeze plus the warm smell of a BBQ that has been erected to serve burgers to the fans.

England's goal sends an euphoric ripple through the venue and the celebrations continue long after full time and into the night, providing a memorable Euro experience.


On our way home, we decide that it would be great fun to stop off and go paddling in the sea, which neatly brings me to another of my small nuggets of advice.

On arrival at the beach, if you happen to be wearing black flip flops, remove them and hold them in your hand. Do not, any under circumstances,  leave them on the sand. Why? Because the sand is also quite black at 2am. And when you come out of the water, your flip flops are nowhere to be seen. Gone. Completely disappeared.

If only I had followed in Wayne Rooney's bright green footsteps.




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Saturday 16 June 2012

Back to basics...

One of the aspects of self-employment that I enjoy most is the extra time I have for other activities that I enjoy (that and being able to work in shorts and flip flops).

At the moment, my new thing is dips. Last week it was spicy salsa and guacamole to accompany fajitas. I made them by hand but their success prompted me to invest in a new blender, opening up a whole array of potential experiments (disasters). Today, I’m going Middle Eastern with red pepper houmous, tzatziki and black olive baba ghanoush.

The ingredients are sourced from a combination of the corner shop and the local Transito supermarket. Not everything is available but with so many recipes online, it’s easy to find substitutes.


As first attempts go, the results are pretty good and I feel confident enough to allow other people to eat them. They are no great culinary achievements but there is something rewarding about sitting on the balcony with friends and dipping into freshly made treats.


Another great thing about cooking yourself is that you then appreciate eating out even more. Tonight it's a trip to the Greek Corner in Las Americas.

The Mountain Dish is a traditional recipe of lamb cooked with feta cheese and white wine, served with rice, potatoes and vegetables. With a couple of sides, it is plenty filling for two and the whole meal comes in at under €20. The lamb is tender, the dish flavoursome and the whole experience thoroughly enjoyable.


On leaving the Greek Corner, I see the promotions manager approach a passing couple. Aware of his desire for business, they try their luck and ask if there are any freebies available if they dine here. A big smile confirms the confidence in his product.

“Yes,” he says, “a nice table”.




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Monday 11 June 2012

When in Spain...

It's a double Spanish line up as Rafael Nadal plays Novak Djokovic in the final of the French Open while Spain take on Italy in their first match of Euro 2012. The two games coincide so a little DIY is required to construct a dual viewing set-up in the lounge.


At the start of the fourth set, rain stops play in Paris and it's strange to see umbrellas go up while the sun is still out in all its glory here. Spain go on to draw 1-1 with Italy and the tennis resumes on Monday afternoon, when Nadal takes the title.

From a Spaniard's record breaking French Open win to Gdansk, and time to watch England play France. There are many British pubs in Las Americas but the Heads N Tails has a relaxed outdoor seating area and plenty of screens. In addition, large beers are served in frosted glasses, which makes a great difference in the heat. (They also do an excellent BLT).


Vincente, the bartender (and part-time karaoke singer) notes our arrival and grins, waving pint glasses in the air to signal that we can sit and he'll bring the beers to our table.


The pub is fairly full and there is a nice laidback atmosphere. Although attention is directed at the screens and the game is the priority, there is no impression that the people here will allow the outcome of the match to sour their mood. Indeed, when the result is also a 1-1 draw, customers are neither excited or disappointed, they are simply content to continue enjoying their beer in the sunny surroundings. (And it's still raining in Paris).




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Monday 4 June 2012

Extra fish with your chips?

A regular visitor to Las Americas claims that the Gran Paella serves the best fish and chips at the bargain price of €3.80.

The restaurant is situated on the cliff top and the short climb is rewarded by pleasant greetings from the waiting staff and the suggestion of a table at the front.


Compared to the numerous bars that offer large beers at €1, this is a little overpriced at €2.50, but given the value of the food and the spectacular view, it is hard to complain.The dish arrives quickly and lives up to its reputation. Served with both tartar and Canarian Mojo orange sauce, the fish is perfectly cooked and the batter crisp and fresh.


After lunch, it's time for a walk along the cliff top. There is a sign advertising fish pedicures. I've seen them dotted around shopping centres in the UK and have heard good things. Here, it's just €5 for 15 minutes so I figure, why not? Let's give it a go.

Now, from what I understand, it’s a foot pedicure, which suggests to me that it means just your feet. So while the experience is interesting and actually quite enjoyable, I recommend that you do not make the mistake that I made. And that is to get duped into sitting at the particularly populated fish tank.

They even ate my mosquito bite.





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