Not my usual Wednesday! José Luis Pastrana, chef at brand new Balbuena y Huertas in the soon to be opened Cavalta Boutique Hotel (5 Star GL), got in touch on Instagram to ask if I would like to try their tasting menu. And so after the usual clarification that I don’t accept invitations in exchange for publicity (fine by José Luis, he said he preferred it that way) I asked pal Fiona Flores if she wanted to join me. Lately we’ve become quite a good team when it comes to visiting new restaurants, hotels, etc.

The meal, as you can see below, was quite spectacular and lunch lasted until almost 6 pm, after which we were given a tour of the hotel, which is set to open in a couple of weeks. The six-course tasting menu is actually very good value at 38€ (53€ with wine pairing). The meat course was swapped with tuna for pescatarian Fiona and were given a few cocktails too, with and without alcohol. It was a fabulous experience and so I am happy to do a review for them soon on my website. Have a look…

• Boquerones en vinagre (aperitif)
• Oyster with a gazpacho sphere and samphire
• Ensaladila with lobster and “sevillano pickles”
• Carabinero in tempura with ginger hollandaise and pistachio
• Arroz meloso with prawns and camarón socarrat
• Grilled tuna cheek with tomate frito (Los Palacios tomatoes)
• Grilled abanico Ibérico
• Chocolate with chocolate and more chocolate