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Originally Posted by MalcolmS
Came back from Pollença on Sunday and been meaning to post a trip report but the weather’s been too good to stay inside at the computer. Raining today though.
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Really informative Trip Report, Malcolm.
My wife and I were there at the same time, arriving on May 31st, and came back last Saturday. We, also, had never visited so early in the season, and were quite surprised as to how quiet everywhere was, particularly the first week. Mind you, the first couple of evenings were pretty nippy – after that the ‘heatwave’ arrived, only to subside yesterday, I believe.
Like Malcolm, we have been regularly visiting Pollenca for many years now, and have our own favorite restaurants/bars etc. Every holiday for the last 10 years, our two girls have always insisted on eating out the first evening at Ca’n Olesa, in the square. Why change a habit? I think we will next year. I opted for a calzone pizza. It was very mediocre, contained a raw egg, and served on a cold plate. After having a beautiful sea bass meal last year my wife opted for the same again this time around. Although the fish was fine all the accompanying pots/veg were luke warm and the plate stone cold! Mmmnn! I had noticed that Alex, the manager, was absent for the whole of the first week, so this may have been one of the reasons for our below average meal.
A couple of days later, whilst having a cooling lunchtime beer (or two) at my favorite bar, Ca’n Moixet, I thought we’d try out Numero Ocho, a few metres away. I’m glad we decided to book a table as it was packed that evening – as was the case every evening from what I could see. It’s been running for 6 years now but we’d never visited. Not as expensive as Il Giardino (also in the square), but probably a far more varied menu. The food was excellent, as was the service. We both opted for the Chicken Curry. However, when you see ‘chicken curry’ on the menu you automatically assume that it’s going to be of the Indian variety? The description sounded as if this was going to be the case, but, unfortunately for my wife, it turned out to be the equivalent of a Green Thai Curry (main ingredient = lemon grass – she hates lemon grass!!!).
We also visited Ca’n Teresa (yes you’ve guessed it, it’s in the square!). Some friends recommended it having visited it several times last year. Again, I booked in advance, and was pleased I did so. I opted for lamb – delicious and tender, I’ve never seen so much meat on the bone before! Because of their location in the square all the restaurants do become very busy in the evening, as this is the main centre of attraction in the town. Not only can you have superb meals you get a free dose of ‘people watching’ thrown in, too!
Away from the square, though, is another favorite, La Trencadora. Mainly known for its pizzas, they do have a variety of other dishes, too. We visited twice, having to sit inside on one occasion. Although perfectly OK inside it’s a table on the outside terrace that really appeals – so picturesque.
Our holidays in the past have always coincided with our youngest daughter’s birthday. As a treat we always ended up going to Il Giardino’s , next door to Ca’n Olesa, at the bottom of the steps in the square. Expensive? Yes. Food always has been superb. Ideal restaurant for that special meal? Perhaps. Up until three years ago this restaurant was run by Hugo and Sonia, and it ran like clock work. You always got a warm welcome whether they remembered you or not. However, times are changing. The current proprieter, who’s been working there for as long as I can remember, and who’s name I don’t recall, is not of the ‘welcoming’ type. I felt this way last year, thought it may have been a one-off bad experience, and decided to give it a second chance. Sorry, but it’s just not the same as it used to be. He seems to give all his un-dividing attention to the customers he feels have money to spend.
However, all is not lost for our next visit to Pollenca. Luckily, we were still on holiday when I read MalcolmS’s wonderful report on my iPad. A restaurant that has always appealed, and recommended, was the Cantonet. Whether it’s because it’s away from my ‘square’, I don’t know, but one thing is for sure, we will be back! What a delightful place. Beautiful setting, great food and very friendly, welcoming staff.
Our last night of the holiday coincided with the Spain v Netherlands World Cup encounter – when the final whistle was blown I knew it was time to go home, as did most of the Spaniards in the square (if you know what I mean!)