Category Archives: sevilla

doppelgänger

14 Thursday Sep 2023

Posted by in sevilla, spain, tapas tours

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

,

dennis rick

The other day I took out a lovely couple, Jacquie and Dennis, on an evening tapas tour. Like many people they found me in Rick Steves guide book, so I mentioned that Rick had been here in May and that I had taken him out, then I showed them this photo (don’t peek yet) and Dennis said “He looks just like me with that beard!” (apparently Rick is usually clean shaven). And when Dennis found out he was sitting in the very same chair Rick had sat in at Salmedina he said “let’s recreate this photo!”. So we did. Can you tell which is the real Rick Steves?

fixed it!

11 Monday Sep 2023

Posted by in architecture, history, sevilla

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, ,

balbuena huertas

Or rather, Paul fixed it for me. Remember my fabulous tasting menu at Balbuena y Huertas last week? I mentioned that the restaurant is housed in a rather splendid 5 Star GL boutique hotel (opening soon). However, when they renovated the building, which was built in 1924/25, they left up an antique ceramic tile ad that is, well, frankly racist. I always put a photo of the outside of bars and restaurants in my reviews but really didn’t want to lead with a pic of the offending tiles and so… Paul to the rescue.

In fact, Fiona and I had a talk with the chef about this after our meal the other day but he said that old tiles like this are protected and cannot be removed. And he’s right. But they can be covered up as long as the original tiles aren’t damaged (I’ve seen this done in various places around town). So we shall see.

Continue reading →

balbuena y huertas

07 Thursday Sep 2023

Posted by in food & drink, gastronomy, instagram, restaurants, sevilla

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , ,

balbuena huertas (1)

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…

Continue reading →

30 hearts

06 Wednesday Sep 2023

Posted by in friends, sevilla

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, ,

emilio (2)

Honestly I know the loveliest people. For example, Emilio at Casa Moreno, who always gives you a handwritten bill at the end of your visit. And who is also the resident poet and philosopher. I have received many personal notes, his tiny works of art, over the years. Birthdays, holidays, or just because. But today I told Emilio about it being my Sevilla 30th Anniversary and so when I asked for the bill this is what he gave me. I loved it so much that I bought a little frame for it on my way home so it can sit on the bookcase next to my desk and make me smile every day. Gracias Emilio xx

emilio (1)