Hi Jon, seems like we have just missed you as we returned home on the 4th.

Wish we has known that Luis was working at the Naval Association, we went there on our first night as it is our favourite restaurant. Sadly didn't see him, just the quys that have been working there for ever.

We went to Tomas's every morning for Spanish breakfast, delicious.

Maybe we will see you on our next visit, regards Bryony & Mike

Yes sorry we missed you too we knew you were going to be here, after our PM's, but sorry we just couldn't get out earlier, some 'very important stuff' was going on till the last day that we just couldn't miss.

We spoke to locals from MF who said they had seen Luis there and he was back on form with his fantastic 'banter'. If we go tomorrow, (we're treating a friend who will choose - but also loves the place) I really hope Luis is there, if so I will ask for his timetable (- whenever we get there,) and let everyone know.

We are surely going for brekkie at Thomas' too.

See you next time, hopefully....

Jon

Just forgot one more bit of resto gossip...

The ex chef that worked for Jags and then Gavins resto's, Irene, started a resto in IC with her husband Paulo, and I posted a menu earlier. It didnt work for them.

But they are both now working at 'Ze de Tasca 2' - (Or is it Tasca do Ze 2 - I forget) the first resto was in Rio Seco and I posted years ago... it moved to the 125. Take the 2nd MWay exit and at the O Infante roundabout turn right towards Altura.. keep on going a few hundred yards after the Altura turn off and its on the right. Dish of the day several selections only 8 Euros. We both had a lovely butterflied Dorada dish of the day with a side of garlic oil and parsley + boiled spuds....

The resto next to O Infante is also called Ze de tasca, different management, but cant remember which way round they both are named - one is oppositely named to the other.

Great steak a la carte that comes on a board with fork and carving knife, cataplanas for 2 under 30 Euros etc...

Paulo used to work in Rio Seco and is now front of house there and Irene in the kitchen, glad they are both on their feet
Jon

Thanks to Jon bxl for all the news and gossip. For what it is worth, we went to the Vintage Bistro last night in Ayamonte just by the taxi rank. I had the grilled tuna with lovely sauteed vegetables and boiled potatoes. (9.50) and my OH had Spicy Prawns Jerez style about 8 euros. Both absolutely excellent and a good dessert after. They have changed the menu since last Autumn and we will be returning in the next day or two. Not as cheap as an all inclusive menu but good value nevertheless.

Ps, WHERE is tomas's ???

It's called the Boozy Elephant. It used to be called Baluarte

Walk out of Laguna Sq with Benetton on your left. Go past Cajasur on your right and Boozy is on the corner on the left. It didn't have a sign last week

Has anyone tried the new Chinese resto in Ayamonte?

Thanks Keith

We've yet to go there. But this is what Ive been told after a few beers - so hope I remembered OK!

Thomas' place is called 'Elephant boozy'

Imagine you are in Laguna facing Pepe's Passage café. Walk down the pedestrian road that is about 10m to the left of Pepes, away from Laguna.

Keep walking in the Coronacion plaza direction and you'll find it...

Looking fwd to a Spanich brekkie there, but I may crumble and have a bacon sarnie from time to time, or a full English - which he does too!

Have fun
Jon

Yes we have a couple of times over the winter and enjoyed the food both times. I am assuming you mean the one by the bank that looks like moorish house or is there another newer one? They also do a carry out service and I have seen Carolina, Ken and daughter tucking in after a long day in Laguna Sq. However it is a long way from Esuri so the food might not be too warm by the time you get back!

Hi Mike

We were there on opening day and I posted on it earlier on this thread.

From memory some teething problems, great place to eat outside (but we wouldnt on a Saturday - too many people), make sure you ask for plates to come at the same time if you want that. Good nosh value/price.

But dont know if it has changed since then, but happy to return.
Have fun
Jon

Maybe one day next week?!

19H
Well here is the rumour.

Javier has gotten the ok to re-open the 19H!!! If the rumour is true, he will make a pizza/Italian with take away.

We are delighted if this is true, but sadly for us we haven't found a decent pizza place on either side of the border. But as we all know good Italian food is far more than this. So for a good menu.

Also that this is more than a rumour

Jon

He has the GC and the chat is that if loses that to say a buyer, he still maintains a business presence here. Or scary thought : the costs of the golf course + bar may be a poorer business proposition than a stand alone resto

The pizzeria in Plaza Lota is not bad
(PS not the telepizza one)

Noy everyone is happy that 19H is being run by the same management os the GC...

I understand the concerns, but I end up with the wish to have more choice on CE. Unless somehow this means in the future we will lose choice.

I heard that the 19H (or whatever it will be called) will also have a shop...

and....

The 'local' AKA the shop is expanding backwards into the building, with new toilets installed to make a snack bar. Which also adds choice

Monday Club was rocking last night!

Jon

Would be good news if H19 is opening again. The shop to have a snack bar ? with proper coffee ? :-)