I happened to be walking down one of the shopping parades in Valencia when I fancied a bite to eat, and happened across Baldo, which had a relatively extensive menu.
Seeing as it was a glorious summer's day, I went all continental and sat outside (and didn't even get bothered by any flies!). However, I was almost immediately pounced on by an old lady who simply stood there expectantly wanting money. After apologising and looking away, I saw her move on and bother someone else, who unfortunately had left their bag on their seat and the old lady was busy helping herself until a waiter spotted her.
Oh, and Valencia's also a hotspot for both young and old women going around to al fresco diners with little plants they try to sell you, as well as the rose sellers. Be warned - they will con money out of you, and they will help themselves to anything you're not carefully watching.
So that aside.. Baldo!
I ordered the Calamari, and a Paella Valenciana (duh!) for my lunch. The Calamari were not only huge, but there was plenty of them and it was very tasty! Impressed!
The paella, not so much - it was alright, but not the best I've had. It only came with chicken (I was hoping for the staple rabbit too) and the portion was pretty small, considering the photo on the menu!
The waiter didn't speak any English, and my Spanish is woeful, but we somehow got by. He did seem rather grumpy about something, but he cheered up towards the end of my meal and we had a fun game of 'I don't speak your language, so lets try charades!' whilst I was paying the bill.
All in all, Baldo was decent. Nothing mind-blowingly amazing, but a bit of a safe bet. read more