Tapas in Surrey

Saturday night was the time we would be together as a spanglish family of 8 until the next time we can match up our diaries. Therefore the natural thing to do was to go out and celebrate our fantastic time together. So off we went, 5 Spanish, 2 half Spaniards and my very English father, by convoy to the only place to eat tapas in Surrey- La Terraza.

My mum and I had been trying to explain to our family for a while why this is our favourite restaurant, but it has always been hard to put our finger on the precise reason why. Was it the excellent food? The same, friendly camareros who greet you as old friends? The busy ambience? Traditional decor? Or even the fact that there is always a football match on in the background? Whatever it is, it works.

Before long we were sipping glasses of Rioja Bordon, saluting glasses of Estrella and swapping around large plates of tapas like a family at their own private fiesta.

These platos were delicious as usual. So much so my Aunt and Uncle said the food was better at La Terraza than in most tapas bars in the Baleares and Spanish peninsular itself. Now from two people who make each meal taste out of this world (see some photos here), it's a big compliment.

As usual we sampled most things off the tapas menu, including Arroz con Pollo, Calamari Frito, Berenjenas and Patatas Riojanas. However by far my favourite dish was the Pulpo a la Gallega. Now I understand that octopus is not a common dish in the UK but it's delicious, and in some places it can acquire a tough texture but not here. It was so delicious, we had to fight my little cousin for the plate. As for the Pimientos de Padron, I managed to get a spicy one so I'm thrilled to see what my good luck for the year will bring!!

As the evening drew on, it would have been rude not to have a small postre. Like with everything else on the menu, it was hard to choose but my sister settled for her favourite Homemade Profiteroles with thick chocolate sauce with just reminds me of times in Spain. Whereas I couldn't go to La Terraza without having the Flan de Huevos- it's a must for anyone.

So if you only eat out once this year, make sure it's tapas and make sure it's at La Terraza.
Thank you to everyone there who made it a perfect evening to end my spanish summer adventure.

Take care,
The Learned Rose xx

The Surrey Girl Returns

Well hello there!

It's been a whirlwind two weeks. I had the most horrendous DELE exam, which luckily I passed with a surprisingly good grade and proceeded to take full advantage of a rest day down at the beach. Even more so, seeing as I was to catch a flight back to London the next day!

I'll miss you!

I cannot lie to you, it is strange being home. My language skills are all a muddle, 'spanglish' was all I could muster for a fair few hours. My little cousin came over to the UK with me, which is lovely as it means I can ease into UK life without missing my beautiful island too much.

However, there wasn't time to miss anything or anyone as the next day was my little sister's birthday, and not just any birthday, her 18th! We had a breakfast of ensaimadas and a day of pampering, before partying on down at the Drift Golf Club in East Horsley. It turned out that a friend who I hadn't seen in far too long was working behind the bar, a lovely surprise! We also had a fantastic DJ, Guy Sunshine, who was helpful and cheerful despite our embarrassing song demands such as Whigfield's Saturday Night, dance moves included. Our little cousins loved dancing the night away, even after they had to change into their pyjamas! At midnight we returned home, like cinderella although a little less graceful. My sister's party was A LOT more sophisticated then mine, I couldn't help but reminisce back to my soldier and sailor themed 18th where everyone was much more underdressed lets say... But that was nearly 5 years ago now! Wahhh, I'll be trialing anti-wrinkle cream before you know it.

My sister and I- When did she get so grown up?!

The DJ's hard at work, keeping us on the dance floor

Our friends and family know how to move

Due to the summer holidays I have been on a few day trips with my little munchkins, including Hampton Court and Arundel Castle. We also made our own afternoon tea including bread for sandwiches, cupcakes and exquisite lemon drizzle cake bars. I wish I took a photo. Amongst all of this I have been trying to help my mum organise some very important, exciting things which we hope to share with you all very soon.

Hampton Court- Photo by @surreygirlgrace (Instagram) 

Getting lost in the rose garden at Hampton Court

Arundel Castle- Photo by @surreygirlgrace

However all this means I'm still living out of a suitcase, maybe it's a sign I should take a weekend break away somewhere?! Think that's unlikely somehow...

Anyway, that's the update for now.
Take care my beauties!

The Learned Rose xx

¡Que aproveche! ¡Bon Profit!

Food is a big thing in Mallorca, as with most Mediterranean countries. Not only does it taste great but it looks fantastic too. The people of Mallorca take great pride in their meals, where the food is sourced from and most of all, the cooking of the meal. Everyone takes an interest, men, women, children and adults alike.

Here are some examples:

Breakfast - Desyuno:

The most important meal of the day in the UK but here it is much more relaxed. Breakfast during the week might consist of some Maria biscuits, or a Magdalena to dip into your coffee. However at weekends the ensaimada is a staple breakfast which is light in taste but I'm sure heavy in calories, yet it is a must if you visit the island. No one can quite make the ensaimadas like the Mallorquines. Children or those who have not acquired a taste for coffee will usually enjoy a glass of Cola Cao with their breakfast instead.

Cafe con leche

Ensaimada

Cola Cao

Lunch - Comida:

Lunch in Spain is usually a lot later than in the UK, typically at around 2/3pm. However before this the Spanish generally have a break and a bocadillo. Any country which has a sandwich as a snack will forever be in my heart!

'Thin' with chorizo and salad

Dinner - Cena:

The best meal of the day. Dinner time is usually about 9pm bringing a great variety of foods but typically Mediterranean as you can probably imagine.

The fish is always fresh and most often sourced from the waters around Mallorca itself.
For example, my aunt when to the fish market so that last night we could have fish cooked in a terracotta dish with a base of potatoes and topped with vegetables and lots of tomatoes.

The paella by my family is perfection though, words cannot even begin to describe it. So here's a picture:

Also, Paella is a great dish to be cooked outside, especially on a wood fire.

Another favourite is fideua, similar to paella yet made from a type of pasta. This is just as delicious as it soaks up all the juices and has a completely different texture.

Fideua

Fideua as you'd find in the supermarket

Food in general - Alimentos en General:

There is never a lack of snacks, Quelitas are savoury biscuit snacks which originate from Mallorca itself. Much better for you then crisps and so much more tasty! Bread is also a key part of the Mediterranean diet. Furthermore, the tomatoes here are HUGE (and delicious)!!

Drinks - Bebidas:

The spanish don't particularly like Don Simon sangria as it is said to be made we bad grapes. But for just over one euro, it's a tourists dream (tastes amazing cold, with ice). Beer is part of the diet in Spain, drinking before 12 is never a taboo either. However, what is becoming more popular is alcohol free beer. Personally I cannot taste the difference and a nice cool beer is the perfect thirst quencher! If neither of these take your fancy, I always find that Fanta limon tastes much better on the continent. The reason why I will never know!

So there's a snap shot of food and drink in Mallorca!

Hope you found it insightful, 

Take care,

The Learned Rose xx

Stormy Nights

Me encanta las tormentas, muchísimo. Although dangerous, storms mesmerise me. I can't help but stop whatever I am doing and just watch, waiting for the next blast of thunder and burst of static.

The tension has clearly been building all day. From the moment I woke, there was this tremendous pressure on my head and I dreaded a migraines. This lingered all day, until about an hour ago, when it lifted and a truly magnificent thunder and lightening storm began.

I took some amateur photos and footage, although I wish you could have been here to see in person!

View from the terrace

Take care,

The Learned Rose xx

Evening Sun

"A large drop of sun lingered on the horizon and then dripped over and was gone, and the sky was brilliant over the spot where it had gone, and a torn cloud, like a bloody rag, hung over the spot of its going. And dusk crept over the sky from the eastern horizon, and darkness crept over the land from the east."

The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck

The Learned Rose xx

Heladería y Chocolatería Can Joan de s’Aigo

Nestled amongst the quaint side streets surrounding Palma Cathedral is where some of the most breath taking architecture, exquisite views and cutest cafeterias can be found. Today I was introduced to something quite unique: the Can Joan de s'Aigo Heladeria y Chocolateria. 

This is not just any old cafe. This is not even any old spanish cafe (that I am also rather partial to, of which you may be well aware), this beautiful cafe is something in a world of its own. As you make your way through the grilled french doors, you find yourself stepping on to the antique ceramic flooring, which instantly tells you that this is somewhere which respects its surroundings and the beloved Mallorquin heritage.

Ceramic floor tiles

The place was heaving, we had to wait to be seated, but this alone shows Can Joan de s'Aigo is somewhere special. Not your average Starbucks or Costa. The wait was appreciated, allowing time to take in the delightful heirlooms and start craving the many cakes, pastries and tarts on display.

I so want this for my room

Drawing of a woman in traditional Mallorquin dress

Which one to choose?

However, be warned, this is not the place for the standard tourist. Only hours before I was discussing with my padre the differences between tourists and travellers. This cafe is certainly only for a traveller wishing to breach upon the culture of the Mallorquines, amongst locals and islanders alike. The menu is in castellano and catalan only, but do not be disheartened as you would not want it any other way.

Castillano

Catalan

With the list of ice creams and sweet treats as enticing as the interior, it was hard to choose. Eventually I settled on the Almond ice cream and cuarto. I am not a big fan of ice creams, yet you could taste this was natural, with flakes of almonds supplementing the light, cloud like texture of the cuarto.

I can't wait to go back, hopefully next time it will be with my mum and sister as I know they would just love it here!

Take Care,
The Learned Rose xx

Through the Mountain Path

What a week!!!!

If I could even try and explain how much things have changed for me this week you would not even believe it. Instead I will tell you what I still don't not believe... I will graduate with a First Class Honours Degree.

En serio. How did that even happen?! Ok, well the 12 hours of study a day may have helped, but I was aiming for a solid 2.1 and blew my expectations out the water. To celebrate we took a bottle of Don Simon down the beach and there was some ice cold Cava waiting on our return. My life just gets more and more surreal...

When in Spain...

Celebrating is not all what I have been doing this week. Despite the 39 degree heat on Sunday, we went for a drive visiting Valldemossa, Deia and Port de Andratx. The most beautiful journey I have EVER been on.

Taking the car around the steep, winding roads which twist and turn up the mountains has to be one of the best ways to see what Mallorca has to offer. You feel as if you have stepped back in time and are viewing the island as it was before the tourism industry took off.

Valldemossa 

Valldemossa también

Deia 

I can't resist classic cars!

The valley surrounding Deia

Such beautiful houses!

View from the mountain path

Natural Mallorca

Andratx 

Time to go fishing!

I also made 'english cupcakes' this week with my cousins, which was amazing fun. Sugar everywhere but tasted fantastic! Still nothing beats my sisters cupcakes though, I just do not know how she does it.

Anyone hungry?

Finally, yesterday was a hugely busy, fun filled day. Firstly, I went to the Mercat de Oliver with university, to carry out some activities asking the vendors where things where etc. As the course also incorporates spanish culture I did find it a little bit slow at first. I have been eating ensaimadas and sobrassada all my life, I really have no need to ask the vendor what it is. However, it gave me a chance to get to know the people on the course a bit better and WOW this market is beautiful. So many stunning colours with vegetables asking to be eaten and fish so fresh you can still see it moving!

Oysters

Monkfish

Scary fish...

Many cuts of fish

Verduras 

If you weren't hungry before, surely you are now?

After this, I collected my cousins from their grandparents and before long we were at the Festival de Agua. So much fun! If there was a reliably scheduled day of 30 degree heat every year in the UK then I would love to bring this festival home. Basically, what happens is the children all meet at the local square, in their bathing suits to play different team water games before the 'disco'. A disco with a difference. The children copy the dance moves from the DJ (e.g. head, shoulders, knees and toes...) whilst being hosed with water! Not forgetting the unlimited supply of water balloons..! Such fun.

This took us nicely up to dinner time (9.30pm out here, don't know how some of you Brits would cope hehe). My cousin and I went for a lovely meal where the calamari and patatas fritas were just calling my name. After we went to the fiesta in the adjoining street, enjoying a granizado and some churros whilst soaking up the atmosphere.

Many stalls with lots to eat, drink and play!

Anyway, enough of my rambling. I must go and do my homework and get prepared for the fiesta on the beach tonight!

Take care,

The Learned Rose xx