REVIEW: Cala Barques

[graham]

Last Sunday lunchtime at about 1.30pm I finally experienced sheer, unadulterated bliss.

The sea was that deep, azure Caribbean blue that you only get with a pair of sunglasses costing a couple of hundred quid; the temperature was in the 30s with a gentle, slightly cooling breeze; I’ve got a plate of lamb chops cooked with just a hint of garlic; I’m on my second glass of Vino Sol and, blow me, someone’s flown over three members of the Buena Vista Social Club for an exclusive performance.

Oh alright then, it’s not THE Buena Vista Social Club, but it’s as close as makes no difference.

If you’ve never been to the Restaurant Barques at CSV for Sunday lunchtime, you’re missing one of the treats of the island. It’s an almost exclusively Spanish affair, with families in their Sunday best, enjoying Paella, old friends and a simply charming trio of elderly singers who gently entertain diners with Spanish classics.

The volume is perfectly judged. Loud enough to be entertaining, but not so overwhelming that it inhibits chat. And, to make it even better, they don’t even expect to get paid.

This place has gone from strength to strength over the past couple of years. The owner and his mates de-camped from Hotel Niu when Hoposa took it over. And the transformation has been simply incredible.

The Head waiter, when he was at Hotel Niu was ( now, how shall we put this delicately?) – a grumpy old git. You know how some waiters have charisma? Well, this guy had charisn’tma. But since moving to the other side of the beach he’s become full of smiles and bonhomie.

He runs a great little restaurant with great food and fabulous ambience. Try it. It’s relatively inexpensive, has no pretensions and we love it.

[kate1]

Another absolute gem of a review, Graham - you really know how to bring the place and occasion to life... Are you sure you're not operating under a pseudonym?! Seriously, this sounds another great place to try - is this the little place sort of tucked under the cliff in CSV, near the Niu?

[graham]

Yes, that's the one. Down the steps and turn left.

And No I'm not writing under a pseudonym. I'm writing under an umbrella!!!

[BonysLad]

Graham,

What a fabulous review , this must be a place to visit .

Can't be too many members of the original Buena Vista Social Club still living , so you struck gold , mate .

Talking of that sort of music , did anyone catch Eliane Elias at Alcudia Saturday night ?. She's the new Diane Krall ( Brazilian, but huge in the States) ?? Only played two dates in Spain on her world tour, Friday night in Palma and Sat in Alcudia auditorium. Couldn't break dinner date so missed her !!!

Anyway, back on thread this sounds like a great Sunday lunch spot ( if the sun ever comes out again )

BonysLad

[easylife1]

we visited this restaurant one lunchtime when we were over in june - it wasn't a sunday so we didn't have the benefit of the charming spanish singers or that special ambience of a spanish sunday lunchtime but we did have the lamb chops and the wine and they were fab!!the weather and the view were glorious too