Category Archives: history

identity theft

15 Thursday Jul 2021

Posted by in history, rants, sevilla, spain, tapas bars

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identity theftphoto courtesy of Gurmé Sevilla

You may recall when a few months ago I wrote about Bodega San José closing its doors after more than 80 years (the Bueno family took over the location around 1935). This was because the present owners of the building refused to renew the lease this year, presumably because they got a more lucrative offer. And here is the result.

Surely this is identity theft? Taking over a cherished family-run bar, doing a big reno, and then not only keeping the same name but putting “desde 1893” in your logo. This new bar (actually “desde 2021”) has nothing to do with the old one and is nothing like it. I’ve seen photos on their (new) FB page and it looks like your typical gastro bar inside. It’s irksome that they are staking claim to a history that was never theirs, obviously trying to profit from it. Not the first time I’ve seen this happen here, but perhaps the saddest one for me.

san lorenzo 2020

10 Monday Aug 2020

Posted by in culture, history, sevilla, spain, tapas, tapas bars, welcome

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san lorenzo 2020

Today is the Día de San Lorenzo. In case you don’t know, the martyr San Lorenzo was put to a slow and painful death on top of a large gridiron with live coals beneath it and, the legend concludes that, after enduring the pain for a very long time he made his famous cheerful remark, “I’m well done on this side. Turn me over!”.

This is the first time in over five years that I haven’t attended the hectic San Lorenzo Day festivities at the Antigua Abacería de San Lorenzo. Because of Covid, Ramón and Carmen took the decision not to reopen their bar until September. In any case, this celebration is not one that lends itself to social distancing. The place is packed all afternoon long, standing room only, with Ramón passing around platters of grilled flesh (sardines, chicken legs, sausages, etc) with everyone drinking a punch from Huelva called ponche alosnero.

It’s always a crazy time and I miss it.   ❤

help save taberna el gallo!

26 Saturday Jan 2019

Posted by in andalucia, history, spain, tapas, tapas bars

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Taberna El Gallo is probably the most emblematic traditional bar in Córdoba. Great wines and food too! It is my favourite spot in the city. So I was very sad to read that it was going to close after the death of the owner, who ran the business with her husband. Rent issues, along with the ages of its present staff, some of whom have recently retired, have led to the bar closing its doors after 83 years.

Then I saw that someone has started a Change.org petition to preserve the bar and keep it going. Presumably under new management, but hopefully retaining its charm, character and heritage. Here is the link so you can sign the petition and help save Taberna El Gallo.

Change.org: La Taberna El Gallo No Se Cierra

the studebaker

11 Friday May 2018

Posted by in art, history, sevilla

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The newly restored tile Studebaker ad in Calle Tetuán, created in 1924 by Fábrica Viuda e Hijos de Manuel Ramos Rejano (Triana). Back then the building housed a private English-style club, but long ago it was bought by Chico Jewellers. The Garcia family restored the tiles in 1978 and wanted to move the ad up to the first floor, to prevent further damage, but permission was denied by local heritage authorities.

Once again the Garcias were told that they were not allowed to move the tiles, but they went ahead with a second restoration anyhow. I’m so glad they did.