Two days ago, Christmas Eve (Noche Buena), we "fine-dined" at home where my outstanding chef, the missus ("Lovely Rita"), prepared the ingredients for a delightful meal - "raclette".
(See here).
Christmas in Spain [Trip Savvy]
Yesterday, Christmas Day (Día de Navidad), we broke with Spanish tradition and went out to a restaurant for Christmas Lunch. Spaniards normally spend Christmas Day at home with their families, so most restaurants do not open.
However, the canny proprietor of "El Muelle de Arriate", number 1 on Trip Advisor, decided to offer a fixed menu to his largely northern European clients who live in the area and like to go out for lunch on Christmas Day.
[Photo courtesy of Secret Serrania and Karl Smallman]
Frank Röttgering, a Dutchman, and his Spanish chef, Isa Molinillo García, who have clocked up more than 10 years at this former railway shed, got it right yesterday, as they invariably always do.
Takings will have been around 1400 euros plus gratuities.
Frank [El Muelle de Arriate]
"Well worth opening," Frank told us later in his near-perfect 
English. He also speaks French, German, Spanish and, of course, Dutch.
Reservations only, there were 20 people present.
The all-in menu with drinks included cost 68 euros per person.
Christmas Day at Frank's [Paul Whitelock]
Back to the Beginning
We had a light breakfast and watched the TV News - shocking! Just war, killings and destruction - so we turned the TV off and "pottered about" until it was time to get ready.
We had decided to dress up smartly, as it was Christmas Day. Well, Rita always does anyway, but I am usually sartorially deficient.
I even shaved off my three-day stubble and trimmed my Dennis Healey eyebrows.
Rita and Paul all dressed-up and ready -to-go [Photos by Paul Whitelock]
We arrived early at the restaurant, so we got a choice of table. We opted for a good spot near a gas heater.
First we were invited to order an aperitif. Rita chose a glass of cava and I went for a copa de Estrella Galicia. Then the "amuse-bouche" came out, followed by two delicious starters. I opted for a glass of Verdejo and Rita un rosado to accompany these titbits.
For the main course I chose a vino tinto de Ribera del Duero to go with my lomo ibérico and Rita stayed with the rosado for her cola de rapé (Monkfish tail).
cola de rapé [Paul Whitelock] lomo ibérico [Paul Whitelock]
In between courses we had worked out that 14 of the diners were Spanish, 3 were English, 2 Dutch and 1 German. Somewhat of a surprise! Normally at Frank's, foreigners dominate, as the prices are too high for your typical arriateño.
We learned that the family of six opposite us were well-heeled locals, another couple down the end also. The English couple and the Dutch pair also live locally and are regulars.
Time for our desserts and coffee. Rita had chosen a dark chocolate (85% cocoa) and I went for a slice of almond cake.
chocolate cake [Paul Whitelock] almond cake [Paul Whitelock]
The family of six beside us were from Cádiz. When I began to chat with them over coffee, it emerged that mum and dad now live in Puerto de Santa María, one daughter in Seville and the other three siblings in Madrid.
We told them that we knew and loved all of these places, especially Cádiz City and El Puerto de Santa María.
We also love Seville (in the winter) and Madrid (in the autumn).
Cadiz [Turismo]
Dad suggested we exchange contact details and that the next time we go to Puerto de Santa María we can meet up for a meal.
A nice end to our Christmas lunch.
Final thoughts
Rita and I both agreed we had enjoyed a fantastic meal. It got even better, as far as I was concerned, when Rita insisted on "picking up the tab"! Her Christmas gift to me.
"Danke schön!"
Links
Bars and Restaurants at or near railway stations in the Serrania de Ronda
El Muelle de Arriate – Restaurant
Fine Dining at Christmas I - Christmas Eve
Help me, Ronda - HELP ME RONDA
Secret Serrania de Ronda | The biggest and best guide for where to stay, where to eat and what's on events
© The "Guiri" Gourmet
Pictures:
El Muelle de Arriate, Paul Whitelock, Secret Serrania, Trip Savvy
Thanks:
Dutch, El Muelle de Arriate, English, Eye on Spain, German, Karl Smallman, Paul Whitelock, Spanish, The "Guiri" Gourmet,
Tags:
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