14 day challenge

Ok here's a challenge for you. You tell us which places you would eat at in a 14 day period. Easy? Here's where the challenge comes in:
1) Day1 starts on a Saturday night.*
2) you can't visit the same place twice.
3) The place must be open on the night you allocate it.*
4) You must tell us what you like about the place/meal/staff.
5) You must tell us what you would have for each course.
6) The places must be in and around Pollensa/Puerto Pollensa.
7) Day 14 should be the "Big" night. Why is this place your choice for your "Big" night out.

Is anybody brave enough to take up the challenge. It's not as easy as it first appears to be. But I believe there are more than enough good places in and around Pollensa/ puerto Pollensa.
So get your thinking caps on and see who can be the first to give us the whole 14 days!.
Don't worry if you can only give us 7 days, We'd still like to hear from you.
Take care.

Robjay

*
Day One (Saturday)
Day Two (Sunday)
Day Three (Monday)
.
.
.
.
.
Day Fourteen (Friday)

Rob
That is a real tall order, I for one am never sober enough to remember anything after 14 days.
I like to hear about peoples favorite spots to eat.
I will need to take a note book with me next time I am out in PP
Keep up the good works
Keith 8)

I'll look forward to your reports Keith:rollin .
Thank you for the reply.

Robjay

Be patient Rob!!

We all might need a few days to compile..a tall order indeed but I'm sure you'll get some great responses

Debs

now that is a challenge, we certainly like to frequent favourite haunts a couple of times over 2 weeks
but will work on it and get back to you

This promises to be a great post:lol . I for one can't wait guys.
Take your time

Robjay

Rob
I will start my 7 day challenge if that counts next Wednesday
Keith

OK Rob, am I the first one to take the 14 day challenge??

The kids are away for the weekend, Hubby is watching Newcastle get thrashed by Man Utd (as I write) so here are the results from the Janie household:

(By the way, I have answered as many points as I can, but choices for each course are a bit sketchy).

Day 1 - Saturday

Restaurant Llenaire

Special to me because it was the first one we found some years back when we arrived late. I love the aioli and olives here and the location is pretty good too. I would probably go for veal escalope and I know hubby was a fan of the rabbit. I can recommend the breakfast as well and I think we will develop a tradition of having breakfast here on the last day of our holiday in future.

Day 2 - Sunday

Centric

A great location on the square and brilliant for people watching. My choice for the main course would be suckling pig which was huge and delicious. I would have to forgo a starter as the olives and bread would be sufficient

Day 3 - Monday

Maxim's

The food was exceptionally good here and I would choose the lamb stuffed with prunes for its intense flavour. I would try and be nice to the waiters in the hope they were nice in return . A great place if you have kids as they can run free in the square.

Day 4 - Tuesday

L'Aup

We found this restaurant last year and it's situated on the turn to Cala San Vicente. Lovely outside eating area, friendly staff and a little playground for the children (if you have them). The appetisers of pate and crusty bread are delicious.


Day 5 - Wednesday

Cantonet

One of my favourite restaurants, tucked away in a narrow side street in Pollensa. Beautiful interior and furnishings and very attentive, friendly staff. I would go for the lamb here followed by Tiramisu. And the wine we had back in October 2004 - the Montecillo Gran Reserva 1995 - was decanted expertly by the wine waiter. A lovely experience.

Day 6 - Thursday

Balaixa

Another great favourite with a fantastic location, extremely friendly and helpful staff and wonderful food. A table by the pool would be great and I would choose calves liver for the main course followed by cheese. My choice of wine would be the Marques de caceres Rioja.

Day 7 - Friday

La Fortalesa

A forum favourite and conveniently located near the square - great to amble off to after the pre-dinner drinks. I would sit upstairs here (not downstairs Rob) and I would choose a Mallorcan speciality, probably Frito Mallorquin. Hubby raved about the rabbit and onions here.

Day 8 - Saturday

Ca'n Pacienci

A bit of a treat for Saturday night and again, a beautiful setting and friendly staff. The set menu includes starter, main course, dessert, cheese board and port, plus half a bottle of wine per person. So be hungry! Try and book a table outside in the summer - inside can be a little cramped. My choice wouuld be steak but the duck is also good.

Day 9 - Sunday

Ca'n Cuarassa

Another treat and one of my very special restaurants. The food is wonderful and the only criticism I have is that the staff can be a bit aloof. But the setting more than makes up for that and they have a great set menu so I would choose something from that. Last time it was a ravioli of duck breast in a port wine sauce followed by breast of chicken in a tempura batter. Mmmmm!! They also have a great wine list and my choice would probably be a Rioja Reserva.

Day 10 - Monday

Los Zarzales

Now I haven't actually eaten here, but I've heard so much about how good this restaurant is that I would have to include it on my 14 Day Challenge. It will be on my list when we visit again this year and any recommendations for food would go down well...

Day 11 - Tuesday

Clivia

A beautiful, elegant restaurant situated near the square in the old town of Pollensa. They specialise in fish and expert waiters prepare it at your table. The "Gourmet" starters are also delicious.

Day 12 - Wednesday

El Posito

One of the forum "greats" and I would not have thought to go without all the recommendations from other members. Very friendly staff and delicious local food, rounded off with ample Hierbas de Mallorca. It would have to be the mixed tapas here to start followed by the lamb. And then I would stagger off for a long lie down!:rollin

Day 13 - Thursday

Ca N'Olesa

A wonderful location at the foot of the steps in Pollensa, one of my favourite places on earth. A relaxing drink in the square and then a short walk to our table overlooking the church. Another great place to take children as they can run about in the square. They do great pizzas here but I would choose a Mallorcan speciality for a main course and go for the mussels to start. The desserts here are particularly good - especially the chocolate cream with mascarpone. :b

Day 14 - Friday

We made it!!! And my choice for our last meal would be:

CA'N COSTA!!!!!

What a wonderful place - excellent food, atmospheric surroundings, comfortable sofas for that pre-dinner Bellini and lovely staff. If anyone would like to read a detailed account, then please check my review which is in this section somewhere. We last visited in May 2005 and enjoyed the lamb (hubby) and the pork fillet (me).


************

Phew! So there you are, Rob!! My 14 Day Challenge for you. Of course, there are other restaurants that I just couldn't include such as Tango, L'Auborada and Il Giardino in Pollensa, plus Os Cachelos - Casa Gallega and O Lume. And I must try restaurant Siller as well. Oh, so many to choose from!

Regards
Jane

Jane you must have one first prize with that list been to many on there and must agree with you, I would add O'Lume as being one of the best in the port, which i am sure you will agree.

Debz may also if they ever get that pipe fixed. :lol

Jane - what a busy fortnight that would be. I'd love to be able to follow your 14 day eating plan - not sure what Gillian McKeith would think!!!!

I'm in PP in less than 3 weeks and I can't wait. I've only been to a couple of the restaurants on your list but I'm going to try and visit some of the following (if I can find them!).

Balaixa - heard great reports from Cheniesbucks
Cantonet
Los Zarzales - seems to be everyone's favourite
El posito - a must
Ca N'Olesa - good tip re children being able to amuse themselves!

I'll probably only manage to visit a couple though. I'd like to go on the Tudor Dawn one evening for a meal as described by Jiggy- although I suppose it's not exactly child friendly.

I'd also love to go to a restaurant we noticed once which was somewhere near Pollensa Square. We've never been able to find it again - I think it was an art gallery or museum or something and it was quite trendy and it had a really pretty courtyard restaurant outside. Does anyone recognise it from my rubbish description - I'd love to know the name so I can find it.

Hi Sazzle,

Could it be Trencadora? They have a lovely outside eating area and something called a "Bio-Centre" upstairs. As you come into the restaurant there is a beautiful fountain of water and it is very elegant there. We last visited in October 04 but I have heard that the chef has changed and reports are slightly different to when we went.

Any recent reports would be great.

Regards
Jane

Thank you Jane.

I've just looked at a photo of Trencadora on the Eating Out link and I'm sure that's the one I mean.

We're staying in a villa in walking distance to Pollensa for our second week in April so I hope we'll get to go. I'll let you know what I think!

Can anyone tell me what a 'bio-centre' is?

Sarah

I've got 12 so far..I'm getting there!!!

Ooh Sarah - Its a date for Tudor Dawn then - as we are out together and they only go out with over 4 people, we will join you! Depends on the weather of course :rolleyes

Come on Debs! Hurry up! I want to read your 14 choices!

I can't believe I'm the only one who can come with 14 different places to eat! And what about the originator of this post??? Where are your choices, Rob??

And Mallorcaboy?? You have been very quiet lately...

Regards
Jane

Phew.. Here goes!!!

DAY1: CENTRIC

A tried and tested favourite in the square in PP so we can people watch and soak up the atmosphere on our first evening.Friendly staff especially the owner Carlos who always has a smile and a warm welcome.Favourite starters are the stuffed mussels ,chiperones (fried baby squid) or a delicious creamy seafood stew (can't remember what its called!) Followed by pasta or chicken .A great no frills start to the holiday and good for kids as they can play freely in the square.

DAY 2: LOS ZARZALES

My number two favourite retaurant and have to go asap. Beautiful courtyard setting or on the walkway..or if cold a lovely interior.A charming family run restaurant and food and service par excellence!Deep fried brie with seasonal fruits to start followed by suckling pig (divine!)

DAY 3 : CANTONET

Beautiful romantic setting on the terrace of one of the churches in the old town.Fantastic ravioli with a variety of fillings as a starter or main course.

Day 4: LA VICTORIA

Drive just beyond Malpas and look over the Bay of Pollensa..food simple but it's a fantastic location for lunch as the views are spectacular.

DAY 5: LA FORTELESA

Great restaurant..indoors so a good choice if the weather's bad or too hot as air conditioned!! Typically Mallorquin and Martin and Pauline will make you feel very welcome. Shared starters of prawns ,pimientos de padrones and frito Mallorquin followed by lomo con col (pork wrapped in cabbage).. sounds odd but really delicious.

DAY 6 : MESTRAL

Have to include this fun sea front establishment!! Great pizzas and the waiters are a hoot..once you get to know them!! Sit back and people watch.

DAY 7:CAP DE CANTO

Only been once but the food and service were great...more contemporary than traditional.Only downside and we thought slightly odd was you had to eat and could not sit outside and just have a drink..they turned a couple away and the restaurant was not full as it was mid October.

DAY 8:LA TASCA

This is in Cala St Vicente and only discovered it last year when our friends took us.Fantastic fish and local produce..not at all touristy! Eccentric owner ..a really fun evening.

DAY 9: TIBERA

Young trendy restaurant just off the square. Excellent pasta..I cant wait to try it again. Cheap and cheerful when you want a 'quiet one'!

DAY 10:IRU

On the front so you can have a first class meal and people watch at the same time ..perfect! Nouveau cuisine at it's best but still keeping to tradition.You have to wait between courses as everything is prepared freshly..but then you can just sit and watch the world go by..you're on holiday..in a fantastic place..whats the rush ?!

DAY 11: BALAIXA

We go here during the day as we like to have a long lazy lunch with friends and all the children.Lovely friendly atmosphere and beautiful setting. Normally share tapas as we don't want cramp when we swim in the pool!!

DAY !2: OLIVERS

Modern restaurant with a large bar at the front for pre or post dinner drinks. They have live jazz bands playing in the Summer.International cuisine and the menu changes often. It had a fairly oriental theme last time we went.

DAY 13: SILLER

This is off the beaten track but only a 5 minute walk from the square and well worth it. The owner grows all his own vegetables on his farm and his wife is the chef. He explains in detail everything on the menu and is so proud of Catalina and the food she produces. We are never disappointed and always look forward to returning to this restaurant. What's on the menu? Well until you get there you never know as there are different 'specials' everyday ..but frito Mallorquin is a firm favourite and we find it hard to resist the most tender fillet steak which you cook on your own individual hot plate. A great evening guaranteed .

DAY 14: C'AN COSTA

Well Jane I'm with you on this one but I expect you knew I would be!! What can I say that you haven't already said? It has to be the best setting in town..the original cinema tastefully converted and oozing charm and sophistication. A varied and different menu ..scallops with asparagus and roasted tomatoes to start followed by ...ostrich?!! which was really amazing.The staff are attentive, friendly and professional and it has to be mine (and the rest of my family's)
number one choice for the ultimate eating feel good
experience.

We'll be there in 3 days time and we can't wait!!!

SORRY NOT TO LIST MY 14 DAY EATING OUT POST BEFORE BUT I THOUGHT IT BEST JUST TO POP DOWN TO PP LAST WEEK TO CHECK ON A COUPLE OF MENUS. 4 SUPERB DAYS OF SUN FOLLOWING SNOW AND GALES THE PREVIOUS DAY!!

DAY 1 SATURDAY
CORAL BAR JUST BEHIND PINE WALK AND NOT TOO FAR TO WALK BACK TO APARTMENT.
ANA'S EXCELLENT TAPAS TO START FOLLOWED BY STEAK O 'POIVRE.

DAY 2 SUNDAY
CLIVIA IN THE OLD TOWN AFTER A COUPLE OF DRINKS IN A CAFE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STEPS.
STARTERS OF RAZOR FISH FOLLOWED BY SHOULDER OF LAMB JUST FALLS OFF THE BONE.EXCELLENT SERVICE ALWAYS GOOD.

DAY 3 MONDAY
EL POSITO AFTER DRINKS IN SQUARE
START WITH MALLORCIAN FRITO FOLLOWED BY HAKE IN PASTRY WITH MUSHROOM SAUCE. SERVICE ALWAYS GOOD AND SOMETIMES A LITTLE TOO ATTENTIVE BUT NOT A BAD FAULT.

DAY 4 TUESDAY
LA FORTALESA DRINKS FIRST OUTSIDE MIRIMAR LOOKING OUT TO BAY AT DUSK AND SEEING THE LIGHTHOUSE COME ON.
START WITH TOUNGE IN CAPER SAUCE FOLLOWED BY VEAL ESCALOP. ONLY FAULT I CAN FIND HERE IS ALL THE DIRTY WASHING UP GETS STACKED ON THE BAR TILL THE END OF EATING AND LOOKS AWFUL HOWEVER THE FOOD IS A1.

DAY 5 WEDNESDAY
DOWN THE BACK STREETS AGAIN TO MONTENEGRO.
START WITH LARGE PLATE OF SMALL FRIED FISH(WHITEBAIT) FOLLOWED BY THE TRADITIONAL MALLORCIAN DISH OF PORK WITH CABBAGE. EXCELLENT.

DAY 6 THURSDAY
ALONG THE PINE WALK TONIGHT AFTER GIN AND TONIC AT THE SIS PINS TO LOS PESCADORES.UPSTAIRS TABLE ON BALCONY LOOKING OUT OVER BAY.
STARTERS ARE GRILLED MUSHROOMS WITH OIL GARLIC PARSLEY AND BLACK PEPPER TOPPED WITH CHEESE AND TO FOLLOW A LARGE PLATTER OF MIXED SHELLFISH. PRAWNS,CRAB,LOBSTER,MUSSELS,RAZORFISH, AND WHATEVER ELSE IS IN THE KITCHEN WASHED DOWN WITH A COUPLE OF BOTTLES OF DRY SPANISH CAVA..... HEAVEN.

DAY 7 FRIDAY
DRINKS AT BONEYS FIRST THEN ROUND THE CORNER TO NEPTUNO TO SEE MIGUEL.MIXED TAPAS TONIGHT, SIZZILLING PRAWNS,MEAT BALLS, SMALL FRIED FISH, CHORISO SAUSAGES, DEEP FRIED CRABS CLAWS,SQUID RINGS QUAILS EGGS,LIVER WITH GARLIC ,BREAD AND A BOTTLE OR 2 OF FRANCA ROJHA MALLORCIAN TINTO.IF STILL HUNGRY AFTER THIS BACK ROUND THE CORNER TO THE PANCAKE PLACE FOR A COUPLE WITH LEMON AND SUGAR AND A GLASS OF CIDER.

DAY 8 SATURDAY
TAXI UP TO CAN PACIENCI AFTER DRINKS OUTSIDE DAINA
FIXED PRICE MENU HERE AND PROBABLY THE MIXED H'DOUVERS TO START FOLLOWED BY DUCK TRADITIONAL WITH SAGE AND ONION STUFFING. HOME MADE RASPBERRY JELLY AND CHEESE WITH PORT TO FINISH. EXCELLENT FOOD AND STAFF.THE CHANCE OF A LITTLE CABARET HERE IF DUDLEY THE OWNER IS NOT HAPPY WITH THE ATTITUDE OF SOME OF HIS GUESTS DINING ESPECIALLY IF THEY COME FROM THE COUNTRY NORTH EAST OF FRANCE !!

DAY 9 SUNDAY
BONA CEPA VERY TRADITIONAL MALLORCIAN CELLAR WITH PLENTY OF LOCALS EATING THEIR SUNDAY MEAL WITH ALL THE FAMILY.FRESH SARDINES GRILLED OR THE MUSSELS TO START FOLLOWED BY RACK OF LAMB JUST PINK AND WITH FRESH VEGETABLES AND A BOTTLE OF EL COTO TINTO.

DAY 9 MONDAY
HERE'S THE ONE TO GET YOU ALL GOING.
THE TAJ MAHAL INDIAN NEAR MONTENEGRO.OWNED BY THE BROTHER OF THE LOCAL MAN WHO RUNS MONTENEGRO AND ALWAYS BUSY WITH ....YES YOU HAVE GUESSED IT LOCAL MALLORCIAN RESIDENTS WHO LOVE THEIR INDIAN FOOD.
PAPPADAMS WITH PICKLES, ONION BAHJE AND SHEEK KEBAB TO START FOLLOWED BY CHICKEN TIKKA,PRAWN DANSACK,LAMB TIKKA MASSALA, BOMBAY POTATOES ,PILAU RICE AND A GARLIC NAAN ALL WASHED DOWN WITH SAN MIGUEL.A FIX OF INDIAN TO KEEP ONE GOING UNTIL RETURN TO UK !!

DAY 10 TUESDAY
GIN AND TONIC AT BONEYS JUST TO WATCH JOSE WITH HIS GLASS TIPING TRICK ON UNSUSPECTING "PEOPLE" AND YES IT DOES GO WRONG SOMETIMES AND IT GOES ALL OVER SOME UNSUSPECTING LADY AND HE HAS TO DRY THEM OFF.
INTO TANGO AND SOME OF THEIR EXCELLENT PATE AND TOAST TO START FOLLOWED BY THE RIBS OF SUCKLING PIG IN GARLIC WITH RED CABBAGE AND BEAUTIFUL JACKET POTATO.A BOTTLE OF MARCIA BATLE TINTO TO GO WITH IT AND THE SELECTION OF MALLORCIAN CHEESES TO FINISH. ALWAYS GOOD SERVICE AND FOOD.

DAY 12 WEDNESDAY
LOS FAROLES ON THE FRONT.LARGE PLATE OF GRILLED PRAWNS FOLLOWED BY ROAST SUCKLING PIG OR SEA BASS BAKED IN SALT WITH NICE COLD BOTTLE OF VINA SOL TO ACCOMPANY IT. TYPICIALLY MALLORCIAN.

DAY 13 THURSDAY
DRINK IN BAR JUNIORS IN ROGER DE FLOR ACCOMPANIED BY OLIVES AND CHICKEN WINGS ON THE HOUSE BEFORE A SHORT WALK TO AN OUTSIDE TABLE AT THE IVY GARDEN.
STARTERS HERE THAI FISH CAKES WITH A CHILLI SAUCE FOLLOWED BY LOCAL MALLORCIAN SAUSAGE WITH HORSERADISH FLAVOURED MASH AND VEGETABLES.ALWAYS GOOD.

DAY 14 FRIDAY AND LAST NIGHT.
GIN AND TONICS AT THE MIRIMAR LOOKING OUT TO SEA THEN TO CORB MARIE OR BEC FE AS WE USED TO KNOW IT AND SIT UNDER THE PALMS OVERLOOKING THE BEACH.NO STARTERS HERE AS YOU WILL BE SERVED WITH GRILLED MALLORCIAN SAUSAGE AND ONION/TOMATO SALAD AS AN APERETIF.
A RIB OF BEEF GRILLED ON THE CHARCOAL WHICH YOU WILL HAVE GONE AND SELECTED YOURSELF JUST ACCOMPANIED WITH A FEW CHIPS AND A SELECTION OF MUSTARDS.A BOTTLE OF RIBAS TINTO ALWAY GOES DOWN WELL WITH THIS AND IF STILL HUNGRY AND TO FINISH OFF POSSIBLYTHE SECOND BOTTLE OF RED A SELECTION OF QUESO "CHEESE" FOLLOWED BY HALF A MELON FILLED WITH PORT.SERVICE GOOD BUT THEY CAN BE VERY BUSY UP TILL 10.00 SO GO LATE LIKE THE LOCALS.

NOW OF COURSE IF THE TEX MEX IS OPEN OUTSIDE CORB MARIE A LATE NIGHT NIGHTCAP MAY BE POSSIBLE....................................

HAPPY EATING :hat :hat :hat :hat :hat :hat

Re:14 Day Challenge

Senor!

You are one teaser extraordinaire!:eek

Must compliment you on your report. The detail and the narrative is marvellous. In our mind's eye we can just picture the various places and see the courses being served up and just salivate at the thought.

In a little more detail, your choice of pre dinner drinks is varied and interesting from the seafront to Bar Juniors up the back. Don't recall a mention of it before. Passed often but never ventured in. And Jose at Bony's always featuring.

In your restaurant choices too some which hardly ever get a mention, like Coral, apologies to Debs, and Montenegro, where we always were fascinated by the parading of today's fresh fish on the large salver to assist your choice.

And your choices off each menu too, have upset me very badly!!:\

I just want to go now and repeat all your experiences!:b

You did not say but it has to be assumed that you broke out your favourite cigar after the meal each evening. Or tell us you did during the meal and open another can of worms!

And all so typically Mallorquin or what indeed the locals like too.

Do please go in to the Room some night. So many regulars would enjoy a chat with you not least Hiker Biker who last night was telling us of his homemade seafood stew!

And thanks again for your excellent post.

Re: Re:14 Day Challenge

Another one to get me salivating. It's the first time I've seen mention of Los Pescadores on the Pine Walk. We discovered this little place a few years ago and the fish/seafood is divine! Chargrilled squid as big as a plate, juicy mussles, and they even do those lovely pimientos fritos to get the taste buds going. Love it!

Re: Re:14 Day Challenge

Debs and Senor Cigar,

You both had my taste buds going here and wishing I was out soon to sample the different places to eat.:\

They were both great reviews and I enjoyed reading them very much...

Jane