La Taberna del Gourmet & Hen Party | Alicante

image via: La Teberna del Gourmet

The last month has been busy with so many events and things happening all at once. Finally, I have a little time to take a breather and share some of my experiences here. I shall start with my trip to Alicante for a surprise Hen Party. My dearest friend had no idea or whatsoever that there was a Hen Party for her and that I was going to be there or anyone of her friends, in fact. We made her cry, thanks to her sister's talented organising skills. 

Chilling under the April sun with a beer in hand each

As soon as I arrived, we went for an afternoon pint under the sun by the beach while she was being surprised stage by stage and ended up crying. (Yes! We made her cry. Woot!) When there's happy tears involved in a surprise, that must be a hell of a great one. The day then carried on with late lunch, Spanish style then spa time at the hotel we were staying at. It was the Spa Porta Maris Hotel with great views of the sea where the sounds of waves were so calming and perfect. 

View of the hotel from the lobby. The view is even better from the room balcony.

Now the ultimate session started from the getting ready to go out for dinner. We all wore purple feathers even though I dislike feathers, not wanting to be the party pooper, I joined in the fun. Our bride-to-be wore a different outfit of course; red Charleston styled dress with white feathers. 

Dinner was at the award winning La Taberna del Gourmet. Everything from here was superb from the food to service. Even the diners were friendly. Maybe it's a Spanish thing.

The really flavourful first pressed extra virgin olive oil came with a pipette. So cute!!

Bread with tomato and olive oil

Iberico-cured ham

The baked goats cheese with herb and honey was creamy and sublime, perfect with crusty bread.

Fried cod was fresh and crispy; grilled asparagus with romesco sauce although simply well cooked

Grilled veal entrecote was perfectly cooked and seasoned.

Chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. The ice cream was light and smooth.

The cute waiters joined in the fun with us girls ;)

Smile..

One of the best Spanish food I have had in Spain so far. Quality food and brilliant service.

Frown..

It is too far from London! But this means there is another reason to be back in Alicante.

Will I return?

I will definitely come here again when I am back in Alicante next.

La Taberna del Gourmet

C/San Fernando 10,
03002 Alicante, Spain.

Tel: +34 965 204 233

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Barrica Tapas Bar

Sometimes, I have the urge to order multiple starters in a restaurant so I could taste more various food and flavours. Tapas is a brilliant way to do that, without being the weird one who orders only starters and dessert, with no mains. Although I have not done that before, it has always been part of my thought process browsing through menus in restaurants. Who knows, I might do that sometime soon.

We ordered only four plates of tapas plus a dessert to share between two and that was actually filling. I would say, it was just right. It is surprising because I am a big eater so it must have been the bread that filled me up. Otherwise, this will not happen in a million years, judging by the portion of the food, even for tapas standard. My theory is that the food came one by one at its own pace which we then have enough time to digest in between so we do not over eat. This is a good way to enjoy food with good company, especially when the small plates of food were very flavourful.

White asparagus - This was juicy sweet with its natural flavour and the sprinkle of sweet paprika was subtle and not over powering. I wonder where they got the white asparagus from. As far as I can remember, I am sure they are out of season. They are probably imported from Spain. 

Oak-smoked duck on toast with cherry butter - The first comment when the plate was placed on the table was, 'This must be the smallest toast I have seen.' Very cute indeed. Luckily it was well cooked and the cherry butter made a lot of difference.

Clams - Well, I am not sure how this clams were cooked nor do we know what they taste like. It took me one photo to realise that was not what we ordered. 

Sea trout with mushroom - 

Braised veal with pedro ximinez - This is definitely a must have. That piece of meat has been carefully braised for hours in Pedro Ximinez, the dark and sweet sherry. The fatty part on the side tasted the best.

Freshly baked fig cake with pine nut ice cream - Last but not least, dessert! Fantastic! This is how a meal should end.

Barrica Restaurant clearly has very delicious food. So far, it is one of the best Tapas I had in London. Perfect restaurant for a small group, also great for a date.

BARRICA

62 Goodge Street
London, W1T 4NE

Tel + 44 (0) 20 7436 9448

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