Category Archives: tapas bars

emilio

26 Friday Sep 2025

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I’ve known Emilio Vara Dorado forever… well at least as long as I’ve known the fabulous Casa Moreno (approx 2008 when I finally got up the nerve to walk into what looked like an almost exclusive “neighbours only” spot and, even though I was actually a neighbour, I still felt a bit intimidated). I needn’t have worried. I was immediately made to feel welcome and the Morenos and Emilio have been like family ever since.

Anyhow, it’s Emilio’s birthday today and so, as I had to go to my bank nearby, I decided to hobble over and wish him a happy birthday in person. You may remember him from my previous posts about his lovely personalised “napkin art” (ie handwritten bills) I’ve posted here, and also that time he made a special one for my 30th Sevilla Anniversary.

Well it turns out that 2 pm on a Friday afternoon is not the best time to try and get into Casa Moreno, especially not these days since it’s become an instagram phenomenon (queues of tourists are lined up every opening time). But working my “crutch magic” suddenly everyone was letting me pass to get inside. When Emilio saw me he stopped everything and came over to hold my hands and I wished him the happiest of birthdays. Then we had a little argument about who is the more charming person, me or him (obviously HE is, but he insists I am) and then I had to go. Way too crowded.

With more than 35 years behind the bar Emilio IS Casa Moreno, now into its third generation of the Moreno family. And I don’t know… I just love that I know him. And the Morenos. And all of it.

2000 steps

24 Wednesday Sep 2025

Posted by in beer, sevilla, tapas bars

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Okay, that’s not many steps, and I also didn’t get a chair workout in… but I did buy a light winter jacket that I will probably return and then stopped for Cold Beer O’clock at the brand new Patio San Eloy in my street (they’re a local chain and I love them) and then home again. Some days you just do the best you can because the thought of staying inside for TWO DAYS IN A ROW is just too much. So, at least I got out.

Pam & Gibert

29 Friday Aug 2025

Posted by in food & drink, friends, sevilla, sherry, tapas bars, tapas tours

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Vaughn, Nora Frances, Pam & Gibert

It’s always so lovely when clients become friends. Pam & Gibert were first here in April 2024 and came out with me on both a Flamenco Tour and for a Sherry & Tapas Tasting. We’ve stayed in touch since then and so when I heard they would be stopping in Sevilla briefly at the end of August with another couple we had to do something. But what? I could have offered them a Triana Tour for something different but of course I CAN’T WALK. In fact, the only work available to me since last August has been the tastings because they take place in one bar and I can hobble there and back again at my own snails pace. So then I had a think and put together the “Off The Beaten Path ON CRUTCHES Tour”. And it was actually fabulous.

All the bars were about a five minute walk (ten minute hobble) apart and – most importantly – not far from my house. We started off early at Sevilla’s sherry temple Manolo Cateca in order to get The Table (there’s only one) and while Manolo doesn’t take bookings he agreed to hold the table for me if we got there right at 12.00 noon. Deal! After that a few posh seafood snacks at La Barra de Cañabota followed by the “main course” of traditional tapas at Taberna Zurbarán (who also don’t take bookings but did me a favour). And well, it turned out so well I am tempted to offer it as one of my regular tours, except other than Cañabota I would have to call in a favour each time at the other two places and I don’t want to take advantage. It would work with just two people as we could always squeeze in without having to book everywhere. Hmmm… maybe something to think about.

Anyhow, Pam & Gibert will be back AGAIN next March (“I’m like a bad penny, Shawn”) and I really can’t wait to see them again. Even if just to hear Pam’s wonderful southern accent again… I could listen to her all day.