One of the great things about living in Spain is that it's much cheaper to eat out than in the UK, so it's something we try to do at least once a week. However, the supply of Euros at Piddock Towers isn't infinite, so we tend to go for the lower end of the market. However, that doesn't mean we're prepared to settle for substandard food and service - we like to get the best deal for our money.
One of our favourite haunts is Restaurante El Raso, situated on El Raso Urbanisation, just off the Los Montesinos - Guardamar Road, or Lemon Tree Road, as it's called around here. El Raso is nicely fitted out and comfortable, and all the staff are friendly and efficient. And the food - oh, the food! It's magnificent. We always go for the Menu del Dia, because we can't see any reason to do anything else. It's never let us down, and we've been there lots of times.
The meal starts with bread and ali oli and tomato paste, followed by a salad. Then there's a choice of five starters and five mains. Paella figures on the starters list twice a week, along with a selection of soups and stews, plates of ham and cheese, stuffed peppers and interesting starters such as Eggs Flamenco and cauliflower with a cheese and tomato sauce.
Main courses always include a fish dish - either grilled or in a fantastic El Raso sauce. Chicken is on the menu every day as well, along with various other meat and vegetable choices. And para postre - again, a good selection, including arroz con leche, fruit salad, flan and various 'tartas.'
Included in all this is a small beer, glass of wine or soft drink - all for the incredible price of 6.90 Euro! That's the Monday to Friday meal deal, and if you're thinking of going, I'd advise you to book, otherwise, you're likely to be turned away hungry. On Saturday, we decided to try the special weekend Menu del Dia for the first time. We'd had a hard morning shopping at Moncayo Market just along the road, so it seemed like a plan.
At 8.90 with no drinks, bread or salad included, the Saturday menu is a little more expensive, but still worth every centimo. There were four of us, and Tony, Jim and Joan opted for pancakes stuffed with chicken followed by grilled lamb cutlets. I had to be different - it's what we creative types do best - so I went for grilled prawns followed by chicken breast in wine and mushroom sauce. Prawns? Think Pink Moby Dick - they were huge, with a tasty salad and dressing, and our main courses were also excellent.
After desserts of fruit salad, crema catalina and ice cream, we were offered liqueurs as part of the deal - Bailey's brandy, limoncello or apple schnapps. The total for the four of us, including two drinks each and a couple of coffees, was just 52 Euro. A real bargain - and excellent food. If you're down this way, pop into Restaurante El Raso and tell them Sandra sent you.
