Category Archives: sevilla

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)

wired

04 Monday Sep 2023

Posted by in sevilla

≈ 1 Comment

wired

I always find this sight both hilarious and horrifying in equal measure. I mean, there’s no way this can be legal, but as houses aren’t burning down every day due to short-circuit fires… I guess it works and is sorta-kinda safe? Trust me, this isn’t the worst tangle of wires I’ve come across, just the most recent.

one year later

18 Friday Aug 2023

Posted by in sevilla, spain

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, ,

ficus (2)

The “Ficus Centenario de San Jacinto” in Triana, one year after it was nearly destroyed. Once standing twice as high as the church, after years of the parish being negligent in its maintenance, they used the excuse that the roots were causing damage to the building to have it cut down, which was authorised by the City Council. Thanks to public outcry and citizen mobilisation in the streets and in the courts, the ficus was saved last minute, but not before it looked like it may not actually survive.

The City Council has since decided that the survival of the ficus is in the best interests of the city and its residents and has taken over the responsibility of its care and maintenance. I mean honestly, a year ago I thought it was dead (see pics below) but then it started sprouting leaves again and it’s a joy to see it recovering. I don’t suppose I’ll live long enough to see it grow taller than the church again (it’s 110 years old!) but this will do for now.

Continue reading →