Category Archives: culture

cucharón de plata 2026

20 Friday Feb 2026

Posted by in bitesize sevilla, culture, gastronomy, restaurants, sevilla, tapas, tapas bars

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Today my friend and neighbour Mariano Gárcia received the Cucharón de Plata (Silver Ladle) award for his “exemplary career and a lifetime dedicated to the hospitality industry”.  It was a very moving ceremony and, typically, Mariano dedicated his award to his family, co-workers and customers…

I have not been, nor am I by any means, the sole author or deserving recipient of this distinction, which, thanks to the prestige of the Chamber of Commerce, the Rural Savings Bank, and the City Council in the person of its Mayor, fills me with satisfaction and pride. Of Cafetería Donald, of Restaurante Donald, of La Hermandad, I am only a co-author, and I say ‘co’ because you have also been, and will be, my wife, my daughters, my parents, my mentor Manolo Ávila, my fellow members of so many beloved brotherhoods, my people in the world of bullfighting, my friends, my gatherings, and everyone else. Without you, Donald would be a ‘simple’ bar and not a home for all those I just named.

More on Mariano and Cafetería Donald coming soon on Bitesize Sevilla.

it’s not tradition, it’s racism in disguise

29 Monday Dec 2025

Posted by in christmas, culture, sevilla, spain

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And a thinly veiled disguise at that. Spotted this posted on the storefront window of Lush Cosmetics in Calle Tetuan whilst out for a hobble…

Pintarse la cara de negro no es tradición. Es racismo maquillado.
La ONU reconoce el blackface como una práctica racista que perpetúa estereotipos coloniales.
#StopBlackfaceInSpain

Painting your face black is not a tradition. It’s racism in disguise.
The UN recognises blackface as a racist practice that perpetuates colonial stereotypes.

Well done Lush! And WTF is wrong with you Spain, that you still think this sort of “casual racism” is just a “harmless custom” meant to bring joy to children? Yes, the practice has come under debate and received much criticism over the past few years, but I mean what is there to debate? Spain, I love you but just stop fucking doing this already. I could say a LOT more about racism in Spain but I’m just too overwhelmed by THE WORLD right now. Some other time perhaps. I was just glad to see this today, though sorry it still needs to be said.

super mariano

10 Friday Oct 2025

Posted by in culture, gastronomy, restaurants, sevilla, spain, tapas, tapas bars

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I’ve known Mariano García for more than 15 years, ever since I started going to his wonderful award-winning Cafetería Donald (which is now just five minutes from my house). I love stopping in, even just for a quick Cold Beer O’clock, and having a chat with everyone. Mariano has lived almost his entire life in this restaurant, which he started working at as a young waiter and eventually took over when the original owner retired. He has since expanded to the space next door opening Bodeguita La Hermandad, with a slightly different concept, but the kitchen is basically the same. What I love about The Donald is that it has remained very much a neighbourhood spot with a classic menu and top quality product. Recently his daughter Conchi has joined the team, so it looks likely to remain a family-run treasure for some time to come.

Mariano is the epitome of a traditional restaurateur, sadly a dying breed, and the walls of his establishment are festooned with various awards and accolades that he has garnered over the years. This week he received not one but two awards: the Premio Tabernero Mayor 2025 at San Sebastián Gastronomika and another at the XIV Gala Premios Tradiciones Sevillanas, recognising his contribution to our local culture and traditions. I’d seen both of these saw pop up on his Instagram so on the way home from my long lunch with the girls yesterday I stopped in and asked to see them. You can see how proud he (rightfully) looks showing them off to me. I also feel proud to know him and to have him as a long-time friend and neighbour. It’s people like Mariano who make my life here so special.