Well I think this might be the “bubbliest” birthday I’ve ever had, having enjoyed three different sparkling wines throughout the day. And, like all the best birthdays, this one started off with just the notion of a plan and ended up being one of the best days ever.

Lately I’ve been sharing wines I come across here and there with my lovely friend Reyes Morales @remogar (owner of the iconic Casa Morales) and so today I wanted to bring this gorgeous sparkling wine from Málaga – Tartratos 2015 from Bodegas Dimobe, a Brut 100% moscatel that I first tasted last March during what turned out to be my last trip before lockdown. Well, they had given me a bottle to take home and it has been in my little pantry ever since, so this seemed like a good time to crack it open. We were joined by Peter @svqconcierge and Reyes’ husband Juan Carlos, and some tasty snacks were also provided. Plus a “one for the road” glass of cava before heading to La Moneda for lunch.

Caña de lomo, salchichón and jamón at Casa Morales…
all Ibérico de Bellota of course!

Reyes Morales

Our lunch spot was pretty much decided while sitting at Morales, since I wanted to treat Reyes to lunch, and Peter was also joining us. We had a couple of places in mind but not only did La Moneda win out because of location (being a very rainy day and it’s just around the corner) I also hadn’t been there for ages, since they opened their more casual tapas bar across from the restaurant (I’m so much more about tapas). So anyhow! We got a last minute reservation and it was perfect.

the BEST tortillitas de camarones in town
coquinas (tiny wedge clams) in garlicky sherry sauce
fritura mixta – so much fishy goodness
(ortiguillas, gambas cristal, puntillitas, calamares, raya)

Team Inchausti at La Moneda. Isidro (front of house, in blue shirt) and chefs Jorge and Conchi (far right) are siblings who have taken over the reins of their family run restaurant, and they are doing a spectacular job. Knowing it was my birthday, and since I don’t do desserts, they gave us a lovely cava as a penúltima. And in the end Reyes didn’t let me treat her – that scamp! – scooting off to talk to the Inchaustis after the bill arrived. And although I am the Queen of Tapas I am no match for Sevilla Tapas Bar Royalty. But that’s okay, I’ll get her back! We still have lots of Mallorca wine to try together.  🙂

Back home I had a short snooze in my comfy chair with this pretty girl on my lap, then we did a bit of netflixing while I chatted with friends online. Later on I discovered an unopened bottle of amontillado in my pantry, so that along with some toasted marcona almonds was dinner. Damn it was a good day. Thanks to all of you who sent lovely birthday wishes via twitter, facebook, instagram, whatsapp. You made me feel special. xx