Dining out

The Mediterranean diet is recommended by the best specialists in nutrition for an enjoyable, healthy life.

Rice is cooked in many ways, with fish or shellfish, with meats of different types or with vegetables; in casseroles, in the classic paella, etc.
Olive oil is the essence of this gastronomy; it gives aroma and flavour to all our dishes.
If we speak of appetizers, there are tapas and wine bars that no good gourmet should miss out on.
From this land, oranges, lemons and vegetables are exported to the rest of Europe, fresh and preserved of equal exceptional quality.
And for the sweet-toothed among us, we recommend they taste the chocolates of Villajoyosa, the nougats of Jijona or the famous ‘Horchatas’ of almonds or chufas in any of the pleasant terraces that are found in boulevards and walks.

Spanish food many years ago gained very strong influences from Moorish, Greek and Roman settlements and is not just about the world renowned dish of “Paella”, however this still features very highly on many Spanish restaurant menus. Traditional Spanish food has a wide variety of locally produced ingredients, such as garlic, olives and mixed peppers and along with meat, fish and poultry offers a good to all diners.

The dish of “Paella” offers many different varieties, such as fish, poultry and meat and is commonly know as the “National dish of Spain”.

Fresh locally caught fish can be found in the many markets and supermarkets, with many restaurants specialising in menus mainly based with fish, with shell fish such as prawns or gambas particularly popular and good value.

Tapas dishes are very popular and traditionally were served as a complimentary snack in the local bars with alcoholic drinks. You will find many varieties of Tapas food throughout Spain and is very popular with both local residents and tourists visiting this country.

Spain also boasts some very good wines to compliment your meal and you will find locally produced wine from Valencia, Alicante and La Mancha on many menus. Red wine is a firm favourite with many people and can vary in price dependent on where the wine was produced. Two well known favourite wines are Rioja and Jumilla.

 

Below are just some of the local Tapas dishes:

• Albondingas – Meatballs
• Alitas de Pollo – Chicken Wings
• Calamares – Squid
• Chorizo – Spiced Sausage
• Croquetas – Croquettes
• Jamon Serrano – Spanish Ham
• Magra en tomate – Pork in tomato sauce
• Patatas Alioli – Potatoes in garlic Mayonnaise
• Patatas Bravas – Potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce
• Sepia – Cuttlefish
• Tortilla – Spanish Omlette