When I arrived at this restaurant around noon on the weekend, the owner greeted me with a playful question, "Why are you here so early?" He jokingly advised me to return at 1 pm, as it is more typical for Spaniards to have their afternoon meals later in the day. Despite this exchange, something about him intrigued me, and I decided to stick with this place. After strolling around and enjoying the nearby sights, I returned to find a table thoughtfully prepared for me.
Fortunately, the owner spoke perfect English and enthusiastically recited the small menu, including the daily special. I opted for the sardines as an appetizer and chose tripe as my main course. Every bite of the food was delightful, evoking a homemade quality that was infused with care and love. The sardines paired perfectly with the tomatoes and olive oil, while the tripe was tender and mouth-wateringly delicious.
Since I was the only customer at that early hour, we engaged in small talk, and I discovered that the owner had retired from a career as a lawyer and had decided to pursue his passion by opening this restaurant. His impeccable English could be attributed to his extensive travels during his younger years. Conversing with him was a relaxing and enjoyable experience, and I gained insights into the food culture of Spain, including paella and bread.
While the meal itself was scrumptious, what truly made the experience exceptional was the warm and pleasant ambiance. I found myself yearning for a similar establishment in my own neighborhood, a place where I could visit once or twice a week. read more