La Barbera, Mac Gowans, Noray & Fusion
December 24th, 2008 - Chris Marshall
Newly Furnished Party Room at La Barbera
It is funny how many places you can visit in one day in Almerimar. Yesterday we went out for lunch with my parents, stopped off for a coffee, and then in the evening I went out for a drink. The Spanish were certainly out in force it has to be said!!!
First up we went to La Barbera for lunch. Paco had reserved us a table with a great view which seemed unnecessary when we first arrived, but the place soon filled up, with a group of 20 or so men using the newly furnished ‘party room’.
We had a melon and cheese tapas with the drinks, then ordered the mixed grilled vegetables and beans with ham (both firm favourites) and perfect with the fresh bread provided (2€ service charge though so it had better be good right!). Sands and my father had a very good Fillet Steak, mother had Swordfish and I had excellent lamb chops. No coffee or dessert (see below), but a couple of glasses of wine. The bill was 87€ (thanks MUm!) which isn’t cheap, but the quality of the food, service and location more than make it a worth while place to go and eat. Of the 50 odd people on the restaurant and bar we were the only English though.
We decided against coffee and desserts as parents wanted to go to La Plaza for a home made cake, but by the time we arrived (3.45pm) they were shut, so we went to Cafe Noray where father had a crepe that he said was very good indeed.
Last night I popped into Mac Gowans for a quick pint before meeting Gerry. It was early, but there were about 10 Spanish people in (no English) about to order some food. Over at Fusion it was pretty lively, again with primarily Spanish people. Talking to Phil he was explaining how he is taking the long term view, and has gone out of his way to ensure he is not seen as ‘another English bar’. Judging by the success of the recent Flamenco evening (hopefully to be reated 7pm this Sunday) and the number of familiar Spanish faces in last night he is doing well indeed. It is a great lounge bar, that if you haven’t been already I certainly recommend!
On the way back (early i.e. 10.30pm) I thought I would call in and see Lee & Heather at La Plaza as I had noticed they were open when I left Mac Gowans, but they were closed by the time I got there. Twice in one day eh, oh well will no doubt catch the after Christmas.
So that was my day yesterday, very pleasant, quite buzzy in the marina, and a lot of Spanish people out and about.
