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.