Re: Sonrisa !
 

I am happy for you, our experience was the first such bad service in all my years in Spain. I have never waited an hour for food nor been given such untrue/feeble excuses for it either. If it was a misunderstanding or a mistake they should have admitted it, we gave them enough chances. Then to turn round and say he did not speak English was appalling .. he did when I spoke to him earlier and when I asked at the kitchen window about our food after asking twice before. No I won't be back. I will not recommend any family of friends to it either. Four members of staff and 2 in kitchen and no meal for an hour no way. Plenty other places that give much better service with polite non patronising staff and great food.

Re: Sonrisa !
 

Where is the good food in Ayamonte? I can fry fish in seasoned flour boil a few potatoes and sit a slice of under ripe tomato on a lettuce leaf. Sit oil and vinegar on the table for dressing. Then offer a desert from an ice cream menu that they all buy in. It isn't difficult to produce meals like this. We no longer wish to pay for that quality of meal.
We have been touring in the north recently and when we mention Ayamonte to the Spanish we meet they appear to know Ayamonte and say 'Ayamonte'...Oh! the gambas' they are delicious. We just nod!!
Where are these famous restaurants serving delicious gambas?
The only place I see them are for DIY at the fish counter at the market or supermarket.

Re: Sonrisa !
 

Goodness that's a pretty damning report. I must admit, I've never eaten there except for a plate of patatas fritas when watching the old band T-bag. Naughty I know. Thanks for the warning.

There are a number of newer cafe type restaurants along the marina at Punta Del Moral which I think have upped their game this year. Two that come to mind is Cafe Dante which has expanded this year by taking over their next door unit which was the old Bull Rocco as well as their original one. The folk that used to be in that unit have moved a few yards into a new place called Atres.

Re: Sonrisa !
 

I have no idea if or where you have eaten in Ayamonte but the following are places where I and friends/family have eaten and thoroughly enjoyed food none of which is like the food you mention. El Ferry, La Puerta Ancha, The Vitola, La Vinoteca, La Casona, Ayamar y Sierra, I forgot the name of the one next to the shoe shop before Casa Barberi, ( never been in it) they do excellent food and the waiter is very friendly. Several in Punta Moral and Isla Canela I use when I can. Many serve Huelva prawns which I personally am not too keen on. Paler and seem sweeter.

Re: Sonrisa !
 

Hola a todos

I think the problem might be in "Fine Dining". My personal preference is for tapas, and whilst there are many excellent cafes and restaurants that produce varying quality and amounts, you have to travel further afield to find the real old ventas that do the "spit and sawdust" everyday workman´s food.

Davexf

Re: Sonrisa !
 

I have eaten at most of those places over the years but not recently. I just ask where is there a specialist 'Seafood Restaurant' befitting the complements of Ayamonte we have heard from the Spanish people we have met whilst touring Spain. Something special like Rick Steins place in Padstow.

Re: Sonrisa !
 

El Choco on the marina is nice for fish but I don't think even they would claim to be Rick Stein level. The Spanish tend to only grill fish so it is not quite fair to compare.

Re: Sonrisa !
 

I am not a fish lover but have heard there is a great place on the right as you leave Ayamonte heading for Punta del Moral. It looks like a small fishing village ?

Re: Sonrisa !
 

Yes just over the bridge onto the Island and then first right used to take you straight down to the river and the restaraunts which was on your left but the new road system takes you round the village and you come out with the restaraunt which on your right. Very local but not cheap.

The village is Barrio Canela.

Re: Sonrisa !
 

I know the place been there more than once don't like it. I always thought the English were laughed at and renowned for bland taste in food:rofl: We do go out in Ayamonte for convivial meals we now call that eating out. To dine?? Sadly gave the notion of that up years ago.

Re: Sonrisa !
 

La Rana?

We have eaten there several times. The food is simple but always cooked well.

The seafood rice at Casa Barbieri is very good - more seafood than rice(unlike most other restaurants) requiring a range of implements!

Re: Sonrisa !
 

I know this is off topic but it has already been mentioned on this thread. It appears that T-bag have reformed for a few gigs right now. My suspicion was raised as a poster has gone up in La Cabra II in Isla Canela for T bag to appear on the 5th Sept. I queried with the owner and he said T-bag/T-pot, it's all the same to him! I've since heard the Australian lead singer, Brent Larkham has come back for a short visit and they decided to play. It's all confusing and I hope to find out more but it looks like my original faux pas was maybe not such a faux after all. ;)

Re: Sonrisa !
 

You are right, Brent (and his family) are coming for one month. Regards.

Re: Sonrisa !
 

The band have been playing for months ! I heard way them play way back in the spring at a function in the Sonrisa.

Re: Sonrisa !
 

T-pot methinks, not T-bag (or have I got that wrong?)