01/09/2024: I don't like to criticize an address where I was well received.
We arrive, there are people. The reception is smiling. We settle down. The setting inside is nicely charged and warm. Outside, the terrace is a little steep. Our hosts are considerate and helpful.
Alas, the Spain that is offered to us is somewhat artificial. We are quite far, both in spirit and in price, from Donostia or Barcelona.
The uneducated, neoconservative bank employees of the snowflake generation at the next table are on their own business. They are more inclined to criticize their employer and their managers than the dishes served to them. And they are not really able to express themselves on either one.
But let's get back to our business, the table.
Unfortunately, it is not at the level expected.
The pan con tomate is good but deserves a better baker.
The croquetas are homemade and not bad. The ones with chorizo are better than the ones with jamon.
The eggplant fritters lack softness and the chestnut honey is too present.
The rabas are rabas but rather than a simple mayonnaise a little more pep would have been desired.
The wine is rather a good surprise.
The main fault is unfortunately an essential Iberian marker, the charcuterie.
All this is a shame because a little sourcing, a little generosity in discovery and a (slight?) revision of prices would do a lot of good at this address and are largely desirable.
Indeed, the prices displayed are high and it is better to come here by booking with a platform offering discounts (30 to 50% depending on the day).
For example, the prices applied to Padrón peppers would make any naturally constituted (i.e. robust) Basque from Gipuzkoa or Navarre lose heart. A “Racion” here represents the price of approximately 3 kilos of this merchandise in a super market in the southwest. So yes there are the personnel, the charges, the taxes and the remuneration of the company and the entrepreneur (2 separate things). But we still have to pay around 200% of the price charged by the best stops of this type in a town like Biarritz, well known for its economical, affordable side.
But it is true that we are closer to Italy than to the border between Le Perthus and La Jonquera and even further from Irún. This perhaps explains it.
Notwithstanding, to merit the extra cost, we would have appreciated, for example, the provision of a cup of good olive oil from Empordá or elsewhere on the peninsula. It would even have given the shop adjoining the restaurant a bit of publicity.
In short, I remain doubtful, like my guests. Too bad again.
24/08/2024: A sublime place where the quality of the products and the professionalism of the staff will delight you and awaken your taste buds😋
For a successful taste trip to Spain!
I highly recommend 👏👏👏😊
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