Venta Victoria, Casares

For some real “mamma’s food” Venta Victoria is the place to be. This is a quaint little “venta” set on the road to Casares. Inside you’ll find two separate rooms where you can have lunch, one is small and cosy with a fireplace and the other is just a simple room with views towards the countryside. Personally, I find this room a little smoky at times. Anyway, no doubt the BEST place to be is outside on their picturesque terrace overlooking the countryside. As far as I’m concerned, nothing can beat that. But let’s talk about the food: “gazpacho”, “pollo al ajillo” (chicken in garlic), "albondigas" (meat balls), chorizo, cheese from Casares... and the BEST homemade fries EVER... these are just some example of what they have to offer. Like I said, this is a real Spanish “venta”, with real Andalucian food. A great place to enjoy a simple, wholesome meal! So I say try Venta Victoria and make a day trip out of it by visiting Casares as well; a picture postcard village! It’s only five minutes drive from the venta and definitely worth the trip even if you’ve already been there before. So next weekend get off that couch and treat yourself to a good old fashioned cooked meal and a day out in Casares... all in favour?

Ctra. MA-546 Km 7,5, Casares, Málaga, Tel. 952 89 41 99 (Open from 09:00 – 21:00 during the summer and only open for lunch during the winter months)

Da Bruno, San Pedro

Once upon a time, I had lunch at Da Bruno San Pedro. I remember having a “risotto al fungi”: rice, onions, mushrooms and a looong, black hair! Yuck, never, EVER again! I’m sorry Da Bruno, your food might be good but a long, black hair is a deal breaker for me… “arrivederci”… goodbye!

Avenida del Mar, Urb. San Pedro del Mar, local 1E San Pedro de Alcántara, Málaga, Tel: 952 786 860

Venta Garcia, Casares

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner… Venta Garcia! This restaurant as far as I’m concerned has all the right ingredients: good food, panoramic views, friendly staff and well priced. What more do we want? I've been there several times, which is always a good sign and more importantly it’s been good every single time. From the outside Venta Garcia looks like a typical little Spanish venta but don’t judge a book by its cover because inside you’ll find a fresh and modern interior, with huge windows overlooking the countryside. The food is simply delicious… I've tried their grilled vegetables, simple, fresh and healthy but for those of you who don’t mind the extra calories, their homemade pâté is “extraordinary”. I must confess I haven’t actually tried the pate myself because I don’t eat meat. That’s right people, I’m a vegetarian… but mind you, I have a VERY reliable source about anything meat related… my meat eating husband, and he really, REALLY loves Venta Garcia’s homemade pâté. As a main course, I can highly recommend their sea bass with pine nuts and capers, the combination of these three ingredients give this dish a very distinct taste. And for those of you who prefer meat, the fillet steak with foie gras, juicy, tender and tasty! And for dessert, you simply have to try their homemade apple crumble with vanilla ice-cream and whip cream… mmm I’m getting hungry just writing about it. So I say try Venta Garcia, just remember to make a reservation, that's right people, you need to reserve, especially if you want to eat there on a Sunday!

Share your opinions about Venta Garcia, don't be shy!

Road to Casares, MA-546, Tel: 952 89 41 91

Max Beach, Riviera del Sol

I had a wonderful lunch... but this wasn't it! Sorry Max Beach. Your restaurant looks fab both inside and out... but being squashed in between dozens of others tables like sardines in a can, is NOT my idea of a "chillax" lunch on the beach. And what about the menu? Since when did Spanish become the second language in Spain? Oh yes, I forgot we were in "Little England" a.k.a Riviera del Sol. The menu as far as I'm concerned is a little limited. We are on the beach and there are only two fish dishes? Fish & chips and salmon? Don't get me wrong, I love fish & chips and salmon. It's just that I expected something a little more creative. Anyway, I decided to try one of the salads, after all I wanted to be healthy and watch my waistline. It looked superb, no doubt about that... but I REALLY felt the million calories which were camouflaged into the salad with that heavy dressing. Why don't you offer us a selection of dressings? And your portions are HUMONGOUS! Seeing all those heavily loaded plates go by as I waited for my food made feel full before I even started. Careful Max Beach, quantity does not equal quality! The food is not bad but as far as I'm concerned it's just not all that...

Good, bad or neutral, post your comments and let us know what you think of Max Beach.

Riviera del Sol, KM 198, Tel: 952 932 780

Calima, Marbella

Why am I starting with Calima? After all, I've only been there once and that was last year. Was it that memorable? Well, I must be honest, it is definitely worth going to, especially during the summer if you can get a table outside on their terrace which overlooks the beautiful Mediterranean sea, I mean that setting just screams romance. So gentlemen, if you want to get lucky definitely take your lady for a nice romantic dinner at Calima. But what about the food? Well, I'm sure we all know by now that Calima was awarded with a Michelin Star, so that should give you an indication of what the food is like...edible art. It's beautiful... However, I must be totally honest, I remember I had Sea Bass as a main course but I don't remember what my starter was or my dessert... ouch.... that's not cool, I know. The question is "is that my fault or was the food just not that memorable?". .. I might not remember what I had to eat but do remember liking it, so I say definitely try out Calima and decide for yourself. Oh just one more thing... Remember to take your wallet because you'll be needing it!

People, don't be shy and post your comments about Calima! Just be honest!

Calima, Hotel Melia Don Pepe, C Jose Melia, S.N., Marbella, Tel. 952 764 252

So What's this Blog All About?

So what's THIS blog all about? I mean lets face it... have we gone blog crazy? Is everybody writing a blog nowadays? My dear friends, I think the answer is yes because I'm about to start a blog on restaurants on the Costa del Sol. .... Boring, right? Wrong! The fact of the matter is that this is not just another food or restaurant guide. Consider me the insider, your new mystery guest. Yes, that's right people, I will be visiting restaurants and tell you everything about them, the good, the bad or if necessary the dirty, nitty, gritty details. I'm simply going to tell the truth. Naturally, you are ALL welcome to post your experiences at any restaurant. BUT dear people, this is NOT a "bitch and run" blog. I know we all love to vent but lets also remember to share our good experiences. Oh one more thing... if you happen to be a restaurant owner don't start posting about how great your restaurant is... you are not objective! I might even check out your restaurant and I WILL tell it like it is. That's all for now folks... xxx Mystery Guest.