Final day in Aracena. What, so soon? Everything had been planned so well before leaving Sevilla, but you know what they say about plans. In any case, it all started off great (after yet another overpriced meh hotel breakfast). We were picked up by Belén Reyes from Jamones Eíriz so we could visit her family’s bodega in Cortaconcepción. I was put in touch with the Eíriz family by my good friend and neighbour Mariano García (Cafetería Donald), who has been their client for over fifty years. And I was eager to visit because they are a smaller more artisanal producer, kind of the opposite end of the scale from Cinco Jotas. It turned out to be not only an interesting contrast, but also super educational. Delicious too as we were treated to a great tasting of jamón and charcuterie paired with local wines at the end. Plus I GOT TO SEE PIGGIES.

The plan for the rest of the afternoon was that Belén would drop us back at the hotel where we would be picked up by my dear friend Javi Abascal, who would then take us to visit his newest project in Fuenteheridas, a restaurant and guesthouse called Restaurante Lieva. And after lunch there Javi would take us back to Sevilla. Perfect! Except that on the way to meet us Javi’s car broke down and he spent the afternoon waiting for a tow truck and then at the garage back in Sevilla. But no problem. Belén ended up driving us to Lieva and afterwards one of Javi’s staff took us home.

This is a very special place. For one it’s huge with several charming dining rooms that have been beautifully maintained, including the fixtures and original floor tiles. And there is also a spacious terrace, perfect for events. I didn’t get to see the guest houses – next time! But you can take a look here. The menu, fitting for Sevilla’s Rey de la Cascarilla (King of Offal – sounds better in Spanish) focuses on local products, specifically with doing wondrous things to every part of the Ibérico pig. Will definitely be back for more.