Category Archives: tapas

sixto & rosa

21 Thursday Sep 2023

Posted by in friends, gastronomy, sevilla, tapas, tapas bars

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sixto rosa

Tonight I was invited to a special event honouring Sixto Tovar and Rosa Borja who, some 35 years ago, embarked on a culinary adventure and created Eslava, a pioneer of modern takes on traditional tapas (EVERY gastrobar here owes them homage) that became one of Sevilla’s most iconic tapas bars. Earlier this year Sixto and Rosa made the difficult decision to retire (from the restaurant, they remain active in other projects) and handed the reins to a local group who have sworn to remain true to the Eslava philosopy and, more importantly, to not change the recipes.

The event was lovely and I felt honoured to be invited (not sure but I think I was the only non-Spaniard). I’ve known Sixto forever and I can honestly say I have seldom met a kinder more genuine person. Wishing Sixto and Rosa all the best in their next chapter and I really hope we will continue to cross paths.

reyes & javi

19 Tuesday Sep 2023

Posted by in anniversary, friends, restaurants, sevilla, sherry, tapas

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javi reyes me me, Reyes & Javi

As this is ANNIVERSARY MONTH Reyes Morales (tapas bar royalty, owner of Casa Morales) and I went out to celebrate me being here all this time and the two of us being friends. Any meet up with me and Reyes inevitably begins with visiting our friend Manolo “Cateca” and asking him which sherry we want to drink, so we did that, and Manolo never disappoints.

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Lunch was… well just have a look. I’ve known Javi Abascal (chef and owner of Lalola Restaurante) since he started his first place back in I don’t remember when in Los Remedios and he is just one of the loveliest people. He also knows how to cook!

reyes javi (2)

While Reyes and I could have enjoyed La Penúltima at Lalola we decided a little post-lunch walk was in order. Eventually we made our way to the Plaza Magdalena near my house and the new posh hotel in that square. And look what they had! Gorgeous Brut Tortelló DO Corpinnat. We sat outside enjoying the early evening air and still talking-talking-talking until we finally decided it was probably time to go home! So yeah, got home from lunch around 8pm. I think that’s a record for us, though all my lunches with Reyes end up being experiences neither of us want to end. I am really so lucky to know so many amazing people here.

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