Una Festa Catalana

Photo © Rob Jones

"Shall we see what the forecast is for Sunday & then decide?" ..

Such is the way of life this Spring as we continue to ease away from Covid restrictions.

As it turned out the weather gods were in a benevolent mood & the sun shone.

I wore layers just in case.

It was a tapas lunch which brought much missed food joy for two of us.

Negronis to start proceedings as some serious menu study got underway.

My tapas rule is five dishes + bread with the option of ordering more.

Our table quickly became much like Heathrow.

**INCOMING**

There was Pan Con Tomate, ciabatta smothered with fresh tomatoes & extra virgin olive oil

Right behind the bread were the Boquerones, the sweet, yet sharp, marinated Cantabrian white anchovies

These were swiftly followed by Gambas Al Ajillo, big & fresh king prawns sautéed with garlic, olive oil & fresh hot chilli peppers (NB not the band)

By the time the Pollo Al Ajillo arrived (two minutes later) we started to forget what we'd ordered. This was spicy garlic marinated chicken & piquillo peppers, almond flakes & Romesco sauce

Then the Courgette Flowers appeared. They were so crispy & honeyed with a little gift hidden within - goat cheese

Finally, just when we thought the table (runway) couldn't take any more, the Croquetas De Jamón Serrano turned up. Croquettes stuffed with potato & ham, served with aioli & brava sauces

Rioja was the wine of choice. White for my chum. Red for me.

Once home I realised that, having enjoyed the sun bringing warmth to my bones, it had also made my face crimson.

No suncream you see.

Schoolgirl error.

AMM