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AMAZING! Well deserved Michelin Star. And the price for the tasting is unheard of. At only 50 Euros for their Classic Menu, it's practically a steal. Located a ways off, the restaurant can only be reached by car. We ended up grabbing a taxi to get to this location. Technically there is a bus that runs close to the restaurant, but we didn't see it when we were on our way there as well as leaving the restaurant. So beware if you choose that as your form of transportation. Don't make the same mistake as we did when it comes to dress code. This is definitely not one of those jeans and T-shirt places. So if possible, bring a change of clothing or else you will stick out like a sore thumb. But if all you got on is street clothes and chances are you won't be back, suck it up and don't miss out on this dining opportunity. Even though there are three types of menu to choose from, I think the Classic Menu is plenty. Don't let your eyes fool you. In the beginning I wanted to try the middle menu but glad we chose to stick with the Classic. Even though each course seem small, they are extremely filling. Towards the end of our tasting, I had a hard time finishing (and boy did I wish I could). Every single course was incredible. The texture and taste was a delight. I wish I can describe it all, but I don't want to ruin the surprise. But I will say, the Cod Brandada was one of my favorite. Not only is the food unbelievable, the presentation is visually stunning. The chef has clearly understands the concept of eating with your eyes first. The service was impeccable. Even though we were extremely under-dressed, the staff did not even bat an eye. They treated us with the utmost respect. So if you're a foodie and you're in Toledo, make that reservation! This is one culinary journey you do not want to miss! read more
This was the most memorable meal of our trip to Spain. We did a day trip to Toledo down from Madrid on a Tuesday and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to try a Michelin Star lunch for only €29. You have to take a taxi from Toledo to get there (be aware taxis can fit a maximum of 4 people, but it's only a roughly €9 trip) but it's sooo worth it. The drive is actually quite peaceful and the views from the restaurant, as well as the restaurant itself, are beautiful and soothing. Every dish was such a treat. The appetizers were so different and complex, especially the sardine cake. The ham croquettes were so much better than any other ones we had for the week: beautifully crisp exterior, golden gooey interior. The purrusalda seemed like a not-so-distant cousin to french onion soup: a thick coating of cheese and grilled onions atop a rich onion broth inside a volcano-like crock. Both the salmon and the Iberian pork has miso-themed preparations. The pork has this beautiful soy glaze and couldn't haven't been more tender. It felt more like brisket than it did pork. The salmon somehow managed this perfect balance of mouthfeel. The outer exterior crips like you would expect a grilled salmon, but the interior soft almost raw like sushi. Truly couldn't have gone wrong with either. read more
Rating: 100/100 *This was perhaps the best meal I've ever had in my life. *********Vitals********* Recognition: El Carmen de Monstesion is the only restaurant in Toledo with a Michelin star. Cuisine: The Manchego Cuisine of the Castilla-La Mancha region of Spain, of which Toledo is the capital. Style: Mostly progressive/signature, but traditional elements are incorporated. Courses & Pricing: 4 course options are offered, which range €27 - 90. The €27 course is only offered for lunch M-Th. The others are offered on all days, for both lunch and dinner. Location: The restaurant is NOT located in the Medieval town center, where all the tourist action takes place. It is, however, a quick 10 minute taxi ride just outside of town. ************************* If you're a tourist visiting Toledo and debating coming here, your main consideration will likely be: 1) Whether to stay in the town center and eat at one of the many walkable restaurants so as to maximize your sightseeing time 2) Whether to take the cab ride out here and back, thus detracting from your limited sightseeing time My suggestion: without the slightest doubt, choice 2. Even if you are only in Toledo for 1 day (as I was), go for choice 2. You can wake up early and see the Cathedral, plenty of El Greco paintings, and pre-Inquistion synagogues, and still have time to eat here. Moreover, memories of your meal here will last a lifetime, and to me remain just as strongly (if not more so) than those of visiting the best sites of the town. I got the Traditional Course for €45. It included 9 dishes, and also wine, water, and bread. This meal was complete, utter perfection. *****Food***** -Appetizer trio of Herring on cucumber with yogurt, basil, & caviar, Cheese fritter, and Chocolate partridge bonbon -Atascaburras: Cod meringue with sprinkled purple potato -Purrusalda: potato confit over Spanish leek, slices mushrooms, and egg. This was the first time I had this traditional dish, and it was amazing!!! -Mackerel marinated in spiced lemon juice: this was the softest, juiciest, butteriest, and easily BEST mackerel I've ever had. The lemon was bursting with flavor, with delicious swirls of spice and salt. -Iberico Pork: It included mini black potatoes (that were mysteriously lemon flavored) and charred yuca chunks. The meat itself was indescribably juicy and flavorful. This was likely the best pork I've ever had. Ever. -"Toledo Memories" dessert, which included saffron and cheese ice cream, over a spiced cake. "Memory" is an understatement. -Petit Fours: peach macaron, lemon marshmallow, and pistachio + walnut biscotti ****************** Every dish was an elegant work of art that you almost felt bad to start eating, only to feel stronger remorse after finishing it. The above descriptions fail to do justice to the extremely high quality culinary artisinalism exhibited by lead chef Iván Cerdeño. Service was completely flawless. FLAWLESS. Waiters spoke English with great efficiency. Even the chef came out to greet us. If I lived nearby, I would probably visit El Carmen regularly, and cherish each time. If you are in Toledo, do not pass up this precious opportunity. read more
10 years ago
