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Re: Restaurants
Tried to go and have a bite to eat in the Playa Alta (Isla Canela) beachbar today, but got put off immensly by the price of a Heineken bottle (€2,50) icecreams at €2,80,the mozzie attack, and the full blasting sound system wich treated us to Guns ´n Roses & Hip Hop.....
Did see some food passing by for some other tables which smelled and looked good to me. Anyone did manage to bear the above and ate there? |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Jur
(Post 7757656)
How about a top three of (in your opinion) of the best and worst restaurants/eating places in the area? let´s restrict it to the Huelva and Algarve province.
My best three: 1) Casa Vicente, Ayamonte 2) Taj Mahal, Monte Gordo 3) Bar A3, Marina Isla Canela Worst: 1) Hotel Riu Atlantico 2) Mexican restaurant, La Plaza, Ayamonte 3) Pizzeria Bella Napoli, commercial center Isla Canela Can someone give me directions to Casa Vicente please. Thanks |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by AndyS
(Post 7804101)
Can someone give me directions to Casa Vicente please.
Thanks |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Cptnemo
(Post 7804171)
If its the one I'm thinking of -- exit Laguna Plaza with Al-Monte bank on your left - turn right - carry straight on and its on your left - have some tables made from wine barrels.
|
Re: Restaurants
A few of us were out late on Saturday night and found ourselves at Bodeguitas a retaurant run by a husband and wife team who had trained with some famous chefs (whose names I have forgotten) in the north of the country. Deciding that we fancied some snacks and ordered some tapas and were told we could only eat inside as the terrace was for the meal eaters. Fair enough, wandered into the empty inside, realising at 30 degrees plus why no one was having tapas!!. So we went back outside and decided to share some starters/mains since there was only one occupied table.
On arriving at a table we had to ask our disinterested waiter to wipe the table twice as he was more interested in getting our order. We ordered a salad (read here as a bowl of lettuce leaves with 2 slices of tomato and sliced onions for €7), A charcoaled chicken and a fish dish. Both mains could have cooked by any novice, placed on a dish with the now famous side salad ie lettuce and onions. Up to a year ago this restaurant was providing food and a quality which could not be matched by any other in Ayamonte. You did pay for it but you left feeling that you got your moneys worth. I do not know why the situation has changed but to fall in line with the other restaurants in the area, serving the same surely is not going to bring in the customers, as the few number of customers, on what should have been a busy night illustrated. Totally disappointed with the whole experience. Its a pity places like this do not realise in times like this service and consistency is important if you want to keep the few customers that are still eating out. Wow I feel better now that I have had a good moan and wrote a whole book on the experience.:rofl::rofl: |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Sharon B
(Post 7849955)
A few of us were out late on Saturday night and found ourselves at Bodeguitas. Up to a year ago this restaurant was providing food and a quality which could not be matched by any other in Ayamonte.
Totally disappointed with the whole experience. Its a pity places like this do not realise in times like this service and consistency is important if you want to keep the few customers that are still eating out. : Does not sound good. But where is Bodeguitas, please?:confused: (I only know most restautants by location. I rely on Pat to remember names.:o) Thanks Steve :unsure: |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Steve and Pat
(Post 7851165)
Hi Sharon
Does not sound good. But where is Bodeguitas, please?:confused: (I only know most restautants by location. I rely on Pat to remember names.:o) Thanks Steve :unsure: Had a drink at Bombadill today but could not be bothered to eat there after a quick glimpse at the dried out doradas in the fish vitrine. (Sorry George) |
Re: Restaurants
Hi Guys
Was out for too short a period recently and visited La Rana ('The Frog') in the Barrio de la Canela for lunch. The food was good. We sat outside in shade and with the hot weather it was perfect. When I got the bill I thought that it was a little bit expensive. It busy. Anoth er daywe paid a short visit to Casa Vicente for some tapas and beer. As ususual the food was good, well presented and for what we got cheap! regards George |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by George & Rosalia
(Post 7854408)
Hi Guys
Was out for too short a period recently and visited La Rana ('The Frog') in the Barrio de la Canela for lunch. The food was good. We sat outside in shade and with the hot weather it was perfect. When I got the bill I thought that it was a little bit expensive. It busy. Anoth er daywe paid a short visit to Casa Vicente for some tapas and beer. As ususual the food was good, well presented and for what we got cheap! regards George Next time back you must try little restaurant tucked away opposite Luis original place in Portugal. It is one of these places with no menu, you just get what they cook on the day, usually a choice of meat or fish. We decided on fish, so they came with a basket of bread, dish of olives, followed with salmon steaks done in garlic with boiled potatoes, side salad, choice of sweet, half carafe of wine and pint of beer. Grand total of 14 euros. Although hidden away word is obviously spreading as three car loads of germans arrived just as we were leaving. No seating outside to speak of but does have air con. Regards Derek |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Margaret and Derek
(Post 7856299)
Glad you enjoyed your stay George. the best tapas we have found is at the restaurant next door to el choco, opposite corner of lane that runs between them, and they have a menu in english, although I know this is not necessary for you. Massive selection and always packed with locals, good sign.
Next time back you must try little restaurant tucked away opposite Luis original place in Portugal. It is one of these places with no menu, you just get what they cook on the day, usually a choice of meat or fish. We decided on fish, so they came with a basket of bread, dish of olives, followed with salmon steaks done in garlic with boiled potatoes, side salad, choice of sweet, half carafe of wine and pint of beer. Grand total of 14 euros. Although hidden away word is obviously spreading as three car loads of germans arrived just as we were leaving. No seating outside to speak of but does have air con. Regards Derek best wishes George |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Sharon B
(Post 7849955)
A few of us were out late on Saturday night and found ourselves at Bodeguitas a retaurant run by a husband and wife team who had trained with some famous chefs (whose names I have forgotten) in the north of the country. Deciding that we fancied some snacks and ordered some tapas and were told we could only eat inside as the terrace was for the meal eaters. Fair enough, wandered into the empty inside, realising at 30 degrees plus why no one was having tapas!!. So we went back outside and decided to share some starters/mains since there was only one occupied table.
On arriving at a table we had to ask our disinterested waiter to wipe the table twice as he was more interested in getting our order. We ordered a salad (read here as a bowl of lettuce leaves with 2 slices of tomato and sliced onions for €7), A charcoaled chicken and a fish dish. Both mains could have cooked by any novice, placed on a dish with the now famous side salad ie lettuce and onions. Up to a year ago this restaurant was providing food and a quality which could not be matched by any other in Ayamonte. You did pay for it but you left feeling that you got your moneys worth. I do not know why the situation has changed but to fall in line with the other restaurants in the area, serving the same surely is not going to bring in the customers, as the few number of customers, on what should have been a busy night illustrated. Totally disappointed with the whole experience. Its a pity places like this do not realise in times like this service and consistency is important if you want to keep the few customers that are still eating out. Wow I feel better now that I have had a good moan and wrote a whole book on the experience.:rofl::rofl: On a brighter not we had a late night meal in the restaraunt /tapas place on the corner of the square opposite the Piza place and it was great. Freshly cooked and very well looked after, and it was gone 11.30 pm. Regards Laslo peady |
Re: Restaurants
This is what I don't understand. The owner has supposedly worked in top class restaurants but has not to trained his staff on customer service. To me the waiter/waitress service is as important as the food, it is part of the whole dining experience. A disinterested member of staff who wipes a dirty cloth over the table and then brings out dishes in 10 minute intervals when asked to bring out everything together and then doesn't explain why, is poor customer service. And I for one might give the benefit of doubt once but would not venture there again. :thumbdown:
And unfortunately for me this is so true of a few eateries in and around Ayamonte. |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Sharon B
(Post 7856879)
This is what I don't understand. The owner has supposedly worked in top class restaurants but has not to trained his staff on customer service. To me the waiter/waitress service is as important as the food, it is part of the whole dining experience. A disinterested member of staff who wipes a dirty cloth over the table and then brings out dishes in 10 minute intervals when asked to bring out everything together and then doesn't explain why, is poor customer service. And I for one might give the benefit of doubt once but would not venture there again. :thumbdown:
And unfortunately for me this is so true of a few eateries in and around Ayamonte. ...this is more about us and our habits and expectations than poor Spanish service. For most of us (although recent trips back to UK suggest this is chaning or indeed, maybe, HAS changed) eating out in a restaurant was a treat, something not enjoyed on a daily or even weekly basis. I'm sure many on here could relate to the idea of going to a restaurant less than half a dozen times in a year. In this case, the 'whole dining experience' was of course extremely important. Eating in restaurants, for the Spanish, is not the luxury we (arguably once - see above footnote) think it is. It is a normal occurance. I've noticed a sea-change in Spain in the last, say 10-ish years. It really was difficult to find what we would call quality restaurants in abundance in the major cities and simply forget everywhere else. Everything was much of a muchness. True, of course there were many excpetions.l Yet with an increased interest in different types of gastronomy thanks to the glut of fancy TV chefs over the last few years, things have changed. The cities have moved up a notch with increasing quality and variety but the towns and villages still lag behind. Even what the supermarkets stock has changed. I could not find fresh pasta for love nor money until about 5 or 6 years ago. So attitudes in the cities at least are changing. Restaurants are not just about a place to serve food to fill an empty belly. They can be a 'whole dining experience' A final note - it is summer. The vast majority of tourists in the Huelva (and other coastal) region are from the inland cities. Apart from coming to the coast for the beach, they all want the same thing for the 2 weeks or so that they are here - seafood and plenty of it. And they want it cooked or prepared the same way wherever they are. They have their fancy restaurants in Madrid or Barcelona or Seville (OK, poor choice that last one) to enjoy for the other 11 months of the year - when they are here, this is what they want. You'll learn as time goes on that, like most locals who tend not to frequent restaurants as much in July & August, you'll get a better meal and 'whole dining experience' (just!) in th winter months when it's back to business as usual and looking after the punters who are here 12 months a year. |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Fortaleza
(Post 7857708)
If I may expand on that....
...this is more about us and our habits and expectations than poor Spanish service. For most of us (although recent trips back to UK suggest this is chaning or indeed, maybe, HAS changed) eating out in a restaurant was a treat, something not enjoyed on a daily or even weekly basis. I'm sure many on here could relate to the idea of going to a restaurant less than half a dozen times in a year. In this case, the 'whole dining experience' was of course extremely important. Eating in restaurants, for the Spanish, is not the luxury we (arguably once - see above footnote) think it is. It is a normal occurance. I've noticed a sea-change in Spain in the last, say 10-ish years. It really was difficult to find what we would call quality restaurants in abundance in the major cities and simply forget everywhere else. Everything was much of a muchness. True, of course there were many excpetions.l Yet with an increased interest in different types of gastronomy thanks to the glut of fancy TV chefs over the last few years, things have changed. The cities have moved up a notch with increasing quality and variety but the towns and villages still lag behind. Even what the supermarkets stock has changed. I could not find fresh pasta for love nor money until about 5 or 6 years ago. So attitudes in the cities at least are changing. Restaurants are not just about a place to serve food to fill an empty belly. They can be a 'whole dining experience' A final note - it is summer. The vast majority of tourists in the Huelva (and other coastal) region are from the inland cities. Apart from coming to the coast for the beach, they all want the same thing for the 2 weeks or so that they are here - seafood and plenty of it. And they want it cooked or prepared the same way wherever they are. They have their fancy restaurants in Madrid or Barcelona or Seville (OK, poor choice that last one) to enjoy for the other 11 months of the year - when they are here, this is what they want. You'll learn as time goes on that, like most locals who tend not to frequent restaurants as much in July & August, you'll get a better meal and 'whole dining experience' (just!) in th winter months when it's back to business as usual and looking after the punters who are here 12 months a year. However, its not about fancy restaurants its about manners and courtesy and customer service. I work in the service industry in Ayamonte and maybe its a culture thing but I treat my regulars/locals with a big welcoming smile as I do holiday makers, we all need returning customers. At the end of the day locals are my bread and butter when the holidaymakers have long gone. |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Sharon B
(Post 7859571)
First of all, my I just say I think I need a lie down, as I actually think I agree with you to a certain extent.:eek:.
However, its not about fancy restaurants its about manners and courtesy and customer service. I work in the service industry in Ayamonte and maybe its a culture thing but I treat my regulars/locals with a big welcoming smile as I do holiday makers, we all need returning customers. At the end of the day locals are my bread and butter when the holidaymakers have long gone. The steak solomillo was to die for, and a HUGE portion... enough really for 2. Jon |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Jon-Bxl
(Post 7860532)
Thats a shame the chef worked in a michelin resto with a famous French chef, in the French basque country (I think) and the food has been good. The waiter there used to be the french guy Jean Michel - who speaks a load of languages.... has he gone?
The steak solomillo was to die for, and a HUGE portion... enough really for 2. Jon |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Jon-Bxl
(Post 7860532)
Thats a shame the chef worked in a michelin resto with a famous French chef, in the French basque country (I think) and the food has been good. The waiter there used to be the french guy Jean Michel - who speaks a load of languages.... has he gone?
The steak solomillo was to die for, and a HUGE portion... enough really for 2. Jon |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by guesswork
(Post 7861983)
When I went the mentioned Restaurant earlier this year the food was fine, service was patchy given it was a quiet night but the aftercare service was exceptional. We could not get a taxi back to CE after a few drinks round town, after a while waiting for a taxi we went back to Bodeguitas and the owner gave us a lift back to CE.
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Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Ears332205
(Post 7863194)
Think Jean-Michel works at Jags.
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Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Ears332205
(Post 7863194)
Think Jean-Michel works at Jags.
|
Re: Restaurants
Went to a Chinese last night in Lepe.. (go through Lepe, past all the light shops on the road to Carteya) .. about 1 mile you will see Chinese resturant on the left hand side (not the big Asiatico) ..
Food, service and price was excellent ... we had lots of starters (Dim Sum), 13 main dishes (each dish was very large and excellent), fried rice, noodles, 3-4 drinks each for 12 people (I know we ordered 2x too much..) Menu choice was excellent.. total bill was less than 15 euros per head ... |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by AlandEve
(Post 7863317)
Went to a Chinese last night in Lepe.. (go through Lepe, past all the light shops on the road to Carteya) .. about 1 mile you will see Chinese resturant on the left hand side (not the big Asiatico) ..
Food, service and price was excellent ... we had lots of starters (Dim Sum), 13 main dishes (each dish was very large and excellent), fried rice, noodles, 3-4 drinks each for 12 people (I know we ordered 2x too much..) Menu choice was excellent.. total bill was less than 15 euros per head ... |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Sharon B
(Post 7863284)
You need to visit more often!!:lol: Jean-Michel left Jags about 6 months ago for pastures new.
Bodeguita needs to get the act together as they should provide good food (highly trained classical chef - probably the top in Ayamonte) and service should be a given. What a shame they have gone downhill!! Nice to go to a 'posh' resto from time to time - even if the bill is high... |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Jon-Bxl
(Post 7863443)
JM used to work at Bodeguita - then went to Jags and then went back to Bodeguita (or however its spelled). He was back there when we saw him in May/June. I asked as I am surprised that he would give such bad service, (as mentioned above) and so I supose he's moved on from there again. He had some great new opportunities, and I suppose he took them.
Bodeguita needs to get the act together as they should provide good food (highly trained classical chef - probably the top in Ayamonte) and service should be a given. What a shame they have gone downhill!! Nice to go to a 'posh' resto from time to time - even if the bill is high... Great new opportunities JM - Selling dodgy motors :rofl: |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Sharon B
(Post 7863284)
You need to visit more often!!:lol: Jean-Michel left Jags about 6 months ago for pastures new.
I wish I could!!! |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Ears332205
(Post 7863868)
I wish I could!!!
|
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by AlandEve
(Post 7863317)
Went to a Chinese last night in Lepe.. (go through Lepe, past all the light shops on the road to Carteya) .. about 1 mile you will see Chinese resturant on the left hand side (not the big Asiatico) ..
Food, service and price was excellent ... we had lots of starters (Dim Sum), 13 main dishes (each dish was very large and excellent), fried rice, noodles, 3-4 drinks each for 12 people (I know we ordered 2x too much..) Menu choice was excellent.. total bill was less than 15 euros per head ... However, having said all that, I don't think any of them are outstanding - just reasonable.:) |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by MikeJ
(Post 7866165)
Yes - we tried that one and had a reasonable meal. But if you take the Islantilla road out of Lepe - just as you get to the edge of town - there is another Chinese resto (called Mandarin I think) next to a car showroom on the left. We have been there a couple of times and it always seems to be full, which is a good sign - and we prefered the meal as well. And, there is always the Chinese resto and takeaway in Isla Canela. If we arrive late in the evening we go there as they stay open late. That one has a lot of Chinese clientele (don't ask me where from) which is also a good sign.
However, having said all that, I don't think any of them are outstanding - just reasonable.:) Im guessing that the resto you recommended was not the big house... if so is it before or after the big house coming out from Lepe please? Thanks Jon |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Jon-Bxl
(Post 7866206)
Hi when you refer to the big 'asiatico' are you referring to the 'big house' resto, please?
Im guessing that the resto you recommended was not the big house... if so is it before or after the big house coming out from Lepe please? Thanks Jon If you are looking for the Chinese mentioned by Alandeve that it is quite a long way past the Big House on the Cartaya road. It is nearly at the end of all the shops, well past the roundabout and stands back from the road in a slip road on the left. Again it is just beside some traffic lights and has a green sign - but I can't remember its name. |
Re: Restaurants
While we are on an Eastern theme, I have remembered a great Thai restaurant. A bit of a trek but the best we have found so far. Unfortunately, its in Vilamoura on the marina opposite the MacDonalds. Taken visitors there on many an occasion after a days sightseeing, great atmosphere, great food and good service, with the added bonus of a Thai dancer which kept both children and adults amused. :thumbsup:
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Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by MikeJ
(Post 7867251)
Do you mean the 'big house' just near the centre of Lepe on the Cartaya road (Calle de las Cruces)? If so you would need to take the road towards La Antilla (& Islantilla) Av de la Diputation. The Mandarin resto is on the left as just as you leave the built up area - ISTR there is a set of traffic lights just past. I think the car showroom is a Suzuki showroom.
If you are looking for the Chinese mentioned by Alandeve that it is quite a long way past the Big House on the Cartaya road. It is nearly at the end of all the shops, well past the roundabout and stands back from the road in a slip road on the left. Again it is just beside some traffic lights and has a green sign - but I can't remember its name. Thanks for directions to both Mike. BTW as I'm a sushi lover, does anybody know of a good sushi resto? Thanks Jon |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Jon-Bxl
(Post 7868173)
I think so, we normally go to Carrefour and then come back towards Lepe and the Big House is a huge chinese resto alongside a lighting shop and in a 'lay-by' of other furniture shops etc. on the right... (so would be on the left from Lepe) - but I dont know the road name. We like it from time to time as you pick your ingredients and the sauce and the chef cooks it... also a basic sushi bar that I nonetheless demolish.
Thanks for directions to both Mike. BTW as I'm a sushi lover, does anybody know of a good sushi resto? Thanks Jon |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by MikeCol
(Post 7868239)
Apalonia supermarket in Almancil has a sushi counter and very nice it is too. Regards Bryony
Will surely go there when in the area... is there anything decent a bit closer please, anyone? Thanks Jon |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Jon-Bxl
(Post 7868244)
Thanks Bryony...
Will surely go there when in the area... is there anything decent a bit closer please, anyone? Thanks Jon The new shopping centre in Tavira has a sushi bar on the top floor but we haven't tried it yet! Margaret |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Jon-Bxl
(Post 7868173)
I think so, we normally go to Carrefour and then come back towards Lepe and the Big House is a huge chinese resto alongside a lighting shop and in a 'lay-by' of other furniture shops etc. on the right... (so would be on the left from Lepe) - but I dont know the road name.
Thanks Jon |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Margaret and Derek
(Post 7868788)
Jon
The new shopping centre in Tavira has a sushi bar on the top floor but we haven't tried it yet! Margaret |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Margaret and Derek
(Post 7868788)
Jon
The new shopping centre in Tavira has a sushi bar on the top floor but we haven't tried it yet! Margaret thanks Jon |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by MikeJ
(Post 7868894)
Ah! I think we may be at cross-purposes. Your Big House is on the outskirts of Cartaya, we have often wondered if it was any good but it's never seemed to be open. The big house I mentioned is a big entertainment house with bingo/casino or similar in the centre of Lepe.
We like it - extremely reasonable for lunch 9E (I think) 13 for dinner (I think) for as much as you can eat. Lots of fresh ingredients and choices - pick your personal selection, take it to the chef and choose a sauce and its cooked right in front of you. You can have wok style or a la plancha meats + fish Also sushi as mentioned and deserts. One tip dont fill up your plate - take small portions and make several trips. Its easy to overdo itat first and you fill up without having tried a nice selection..... Thanks for the help and directions... Jon |
Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Sharon B
(Post 7863884)
Grab a cheap flight, apartments are available quite cheap, bargain prices for a short break. Whats to stop you?:)
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Re: Restaurants
Originally Posted by Ears332205
(Post 7870381)
Thanks Sharon but money and flights from Glasgow now very cheap:thumbdown::confused::thumbdown:
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