One of the most delightful & delicious “discoveries” in a very long time. When I was out having lunch with Francisco & Friends the other day, talk turned to “typical” bars that we all love, and Miguel mentioned Bar Casa Eme. Which I had never heard of. WELL… it was made very clear by everyone that I absolutely HAD to go there.
So after a long and very hot 10,000 step walk yesterday, Peter and I finally stumbled upon it, and then stumbled inside. It was love at first sight.
This bar has been run for over 25 years by Emeterio (Eme) Serrano, who does absolutely everything. He runs the bar and cooks (the kitchen consists of two small gas burners) and also sings. He is a wonder. I was actually thinking this would be one of those places where it was more about character and ambiance than the food, but in fact the food (albeit a limited menu) was fabulous. Mostly montaditos (toasted sandwiches), but he also does a mean gambas al ajillo and apparently his garlicky coquinas and langoustines (in season) are also a hit. I swear his whisky sauce, which we tried both on the tortilla and solomillo, is the best I’ve ever had.
I just loved everything about this place, from the cosy bar (there are also some tall tables outside) to the wonderfully tiled walls, to Eme himself. We started chatting after the lunch crowd had dispersed and he told me about starting the bar and also how he hoped to retire next year. At first I thought – Nooooo… I just found you, you can’t leave now!!!… but then realized that after all this time single-handedly managing quite a busy and popular bar, Eme was due a rest. But I hope to get back as much as possible before he hangs up his apron. Review coming soon on Sevilla Tapas!
What look like decorative planters are actually anti-terrorist barriers that have been put up around the Cathedral since the horrific Barcelona attack. There is also a lot more police presence in the streets, and police cars are being used to block off the main pedestrian shopping streets during busy times. I’m not sure if all this actually makes me feel safer, but all of a sudden it no longer feels like the same world.
I lived in the house on the right for 18 years and remember when Hotel Casa 1800 
Since moving to the 
Another meeting with a Twitter pal. This one was a bit unusual as I have known Francisco (the guy with the beard) online for over five years. We have almost met up a couple of times, but somehow it never worked out. This time he invited me to a new restaurant/bar run by his friend & chef Marcos (left) called La Grulla, and we finally got to meet in person. The unusual thing about this is that Francisco lives in Sevilla, so meeting up shouldn’t have taken so long. Anyhow, I also got to meet two other foodie friends of his, Eduardo and Miguel, and we spent a pleasant afternoon “talking shop” and comparing notes about various bars and restaurants in town, while chef Marcos kept bringing us wonderful dishes to try and keeping our glasses full. Good times!
casa azahar 