EAT & DRINK FOOD & DRINK
10 FOOD & DRINK
Eating Out By Scott Taylor
T
here’s nothing we like to do more than finding a spot on a terrace to share a drink and something to eat in good company. If it’s something we enjoy in our own town, on holiday in a new town it feels twice as good. If you are reading this article it’s because you have already booked your holiday in Benidorm or are thinking of doing so, maybe looking for terraces, bars or restaurants that meet your expectations.
refreshing drink whilst overlooking the Mediterranean sea. Eat around the Castle area of Benidorm One of the most attractive corners of Benidorm is the area of ‘ El Castillo’, also called the Mediterranean Balcony. The essence of Mediterranean coastal town can be felt more here than from any other point in the town. Sitting on a terrace in this place is one of the most pleasant experiences, where you can listen to the sea and feel the cool sea breeze whilst contemplating the Benidorm skyline, both Levante and Poniente.
Well you’ve found the best place for it, , the town of skyscrapers has a great selection prepared to satisfy all tastes and meet your needs in each area. Do you need recommendations for bars in Benidorm? Do you want to know about some of the best terraces in Benidorm? Are you looking for restaurants in Benidorm? Keep reading!
Where to eat in La Cala of Benidorm and La Cala of Finestrat The Cala of Benidorm is one of the quietest areas of the town. For this reason a lot of the Benidorm locals go there to enjoy long days at the beach. As well as the beach many people visit to enjoy the good restaurants that the area has to offer
Eating on the Levante Beach Benidorm
Eating out in the Old Town
The Levante beach seafront is one of the busiest areas when the sun is up high and also when it goes down.
In Benidorm Old Town, the more you walk the more options you are going to find. . El Paseo de la Carretera, la calle Alameda y Martínez Alejos and the streets that lead from them are where you can find most atmosphere.
On an evening, the discos that are on the seafront, open their terraces and you can enjoy a
THE BRITISH GAZETTE 11
Origins of the British curry
Forget pineapple, kiwi on pizza is now a thing
recipes of Indian pilau, rabbit curry, and Indian pickle. The love of Indian food in England had officially started. The popularity of Anglo-Indian cuisine progressed with the endorsement of Queen Victoria. Her enthusiasm for Indian food took over the nation, as she requested Indian food to be cooked every day by her Indian staff. In fact, by 1852, a cookbook stated that ‘few dinners are thought complete unless [curry] is on the table’.
Local News By Scott Taylor
T
he British love of curry dates back to the early 18th century and is considered a national dish, although the origins are obviously Indian. However, as Britain adopted the love of spice, the history of curry changed, with even the term ‘curry’ being an English one. If you go to India, you’ll hardly see the term ‘curry’ anywhere.
This blanket term for Indian food does not exist here – in fact, it is a colonial idiom. The term curry derives from the Tamil word ‘kari’, which means sauce. This rather vague term generally denotes any dish with Indian spices such as turmeric, coriander, cumin, and coriander. The word ‘curry’ was then first seen in England as early as 1747 in a cookbook. This cookbook featured three
Talk of the town Local News By Charlotte Taylor
E
veryone is talking about the recently opened Salt ‘n’ Chilli eatery located in Benidorm. Since opening their doors, the eatery has received fantastic reviews for their amazing Scottish style Chinese cuisine. The team at Salt ‘n’ Chilli bring 25 years of Chinese culinary excellence from the UK, right here to you in Benidorm! With a delicious menu available you can be sure to enjoy Chinese cuisine that tastes ‘just like from back at home’. You can eat in at the restaurant located along Calle Ibiza 9, order a takeaway or opt for their delivery service direct to your home or accommodation. Visit Salt ‘n’ Chilli Benidorm, follow them on Facebook or WhatsApp orders for collection and delivery to 0034 633 410 657.
By the 20th century, ‘curry’ had officially made it into the hearts and palettes of Britain. The flavours, although related to Indian cooking, have been adjusted to the British tastes. In general, British modified curries are creamier, thicker, and sweeter. Britain also tends to categorise Indian cooking by spice level, which is hardly done in India. There is much more variety, as you might expect, in India with their dishes ranging drastically regionally. The ‘chicken tikka masala’ is one of the most renowned British curries. A derivative of the Indian Butter Chicken, legend states that the tikka masala curry was created in Glasgow. This dish has since been titled Britain’s National Dish.
P
ineapple on pizza is divisive to say the least, but it seems there’s a new tropical fruit topping in town.
A Danish restaurant has created an all-new type of pizza – with ham and kiwi fruit on top. After visiting the pizzeria, an unimpressed tourist posted a snap of the unusual pizza on Twitter – which caused a frenzy of comments to follow. Many seemed disgusted with the exotic creation and couldn’t get their head around the bizarre combination. One replied: ‘This is so terrifying I can’t even type now. It’s worse than I thought.’ Another chipped in: ‘I could almost taste the combined flavours of the cheese and kiwi — its saltiness and its sweetness and tartness respectively. Like it could be a good flavour combination much like that of cheese and grapes or berries.’ ‘You know what… that might not be that bad. I’d at least try it once, before talking sh*t’, another added. Another user said: ‘Yeah I’m curious if it would taste as how I am imagining it, which isn’t too terrible, I suppose.’ But it seems Scandinavia, in general, is big on rogue pizzas. A Swedish restaurant puts a different type of fruit its pizza… banana.
12 FOOD & DRINK
Pairing wine with food: a simple guide Food & Drink By News Desk
E
ver wondered which white wine to match with your pasta? Or curious as to the best reds for steak night? Get clued-up with our handy guide to food and wine pairings.
EAT & DRINK FOOD & DRINK
This useful infographic is brought to you by the BBC Good Food Wine Club simplifies pairing food with wine to show you popular flavour combinations that work well. Make your favourite BBC Good Food recipes at home before using our guide to decide on the best bottle of red, white or sparkling wine to pair with your food. Everyone’s perceptions of wine flavours are entirely different. Whether you enjoy a full-bodied red or a dry white wine, the characteristics of each tend to match certain food groups. For
example, the bright and acidic notes in a bottle of sauvingon blanc go wonderfully with the sharp, salty taste of goat’s cheese – so pairing with a goat’s cheese tart will taste delicious. Similarly, the full-bodied nature of malbec leaves behind notes of black plum in your mouth and such sweet flavours balance perfectly with a well-seasoned sirloin steak.
THE BRITISH GAZETTE 13
Top Spanish Foods to try in Benidorm
S
ome of the most famous chefs in the world hail from Spain. There are restaurants in the Basque Country and Catalonia which you have to book a year, rather than a month in advance. But posh nosh aside, discover the top ten traditional Spanish foods to try n Benidorm Patatas Bravas Whilst the Spanish are keen on spices, they're not so hot for spicy food. One of the few exceptions to the rule is this famous Spanish dish and nationwide favourite, patatas bravas. Here a fiery red sauce, varying in composition from province to province, accompanies humble spuds which have been peeled, cubed, and fried. Paella One of the most famous Spanish dishes is, of course, paella. For an authentic paella, visit Valencia, it was here in the mid-19th century, on the shores of Lake Albufera, that the dish was born. In a Valencian paella, the key ingredients are chicken and
rabbit although the seafood versions are considered traditional in more coastal areas. Gazpacho Nothing cools you down more on a hot summers day, aside from a cold shower than a starter of this chilled soup. Which explains why this Spanish dish hails from mainland Spain's most southerly region, Andalucia. Combining pestle-and-mortared cucumber, garlic, onion, pepper, and tomato with olive oil, salt, water and wine vinegar, the gazpacho receives a happy finish of chopped cucumber, onion, pepper, and tomato.
Calamari There is an argument that anything tastes good deep-fried. What is beyond doubt is the scrumptious crunchmeets-chewy gastronomic experience of battered squid. Especially when doused in freshly-squeezed lemon.
Tortilla Española Another traditional Spanish tapas dish, Spanish omelette, is nothing like the version which used to appear in British kitchens with judicious use of chunky pepper. Tortilla Española is also known as "tortilla de patatas" where pre-fried potatoes are the main ingredients after eggs. Chopped onion is Jamón Ibérico sometimes added to the Walk into any bar, let recipe which often sparks alone restaurant, in any controversial conversapart of Spain and you'll tions with Spaniards. always see a leg of ham. One of the bar staff will, Chorizo on request, slice the You'll certainly know ham into succulent slic- when you've sampled this es to create one of the traditional Spanish dish, country's most distinc- as the taste lingers forsetive taste sensations. A veral hours after you eat popular Spanish tapas this spicy and sweet saudish, Spain produces sage. Especially as whoa massive 40 million ever's made it would have hams a year. probably gone heavy on the garlic.
Welcome to COCO Local News By Charlotte Taylor
C
oco Benidorm is a great café bar to visit whether you are living here in Benidorm and local surrounding areas or holidaying in the resort. You can find Coco Benidorm opposite Camping El Raco Restaurante along Avenida del Doctor Severo Ochoa, where the popular drinks spot is under new management.
Cocktail menu, enjoy great bucket beer deals and entertainment including fantastic live music and karaoke. Why not enjoy an afternoon in Benidorm on the large sunny terrace and join them for Coco’s afternoon quiz with great prizes on offer?!
At Coco Benidorm you will find a welcoming and friendFollow Coco Benidorm on Facebook and ly environment where you can keep upto date with all of their afternoon sample some of their temptquiz, live music and karaoke details. ing cocktails from their Coco
14 FOOD & DRINK your perfect tortilla wrap. There were helpings of grated mixed cheese, fiery salsa, guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos to spice up dish and even a portion of chilli to add to the wraps. These really are the best fajita wraps I’ve eaten here in Benidorm!
EAT & DRINK FOOD & DRINK
FOOD REVIEW 1 SGT PEPPERS BENIDORM
My Husband and I were also served a sharing plate of Sgt Peppers succulent bbq ribs, where the tender meat fell from the bone in a delicious sticky sauce. We both thoroughly enjoyed our meals; in fact we struggled to finish the very generous portions of food and had no room left for dessert.
on the spacious terrace were tucking into their meals and drinks. Our meals were served, and what can we say……they looked amazing!
T
his month my Husband and I enjoyed an afternoon lunch date at Sgt Peppers Bar and Grill, located just off Avenida del Mediterraneo, along Avenida Filipinas the road that leads through to Levante Beach. This was our first visit to the eatery and were looking forward to sampling some fantastic dishes from their menu.
There really is something for everyone here on the menu at Sgt Peppers from a selection of salads, club sandwiches, wraps and paninis, a selection of ‘big’ burgers and hot dogs, tex mex dishes, house favourites and of course their renowned grill dishes. There are dishes that can be adapted to suit every diners taste, and for the little ones there are a variety of dishes
My Husband’s dish was a large slate platter, loaded with a succulent sirloin steak cooked to perfection, well done as he had ordered, crispy cooked chips and onion rings, a portion
We thoroughly enjoyed our meals here at Sgt Peppers of creamy coleslaw and a fresh crisp side salad. There was also a fiery peppercorn sauce to accompany the piece of quality meat. The faijtas that I had ordered were also of great portion size, a large sizzling serving platter of succulent strips of chicken breast, mixed with wedges of peppers and onions in a smoky tex mex sauce.
We were greeted with a warm welcome from Elena when we arrived and decided on sitting inside the establishment as the late afternoon winter weather is a little colder now here in Benidorm.
If you can find room for dessert however, you can tuck into Sgt Peppers sweet things including a warm Alabama chocolate fudge cake and ultimate malted brownie.
and will certainly be returning with our family soon. The team will ensure that you have a great dining experi
to choose from on the children’s menu. My Husband decided on ordering a steak from the grill, whist I ordered the chicken fajitas.
We chatted away whist we Our drinks order was taken awaited our food, in a great promptly as we looked over relaxed environment, music the extensive grill menu. was playing and people both inside the restaurant and out
To accompany the chicken was fresh tortillas and a great selection of toppings to make
ence whilst enjoying excellent quality food and drink in the heart of Benidorm.
THE BRITISH GAZETTE 15
Ordering coffee in Spain
F
irst, you should know the espresso brewing method is the most popular way to prepare coffee in Spain. This method forces extremely hot, pressurized water through finely ground coffee beans. This results in a stronger flavor in a smaller amount of coffee. A cup of coffee brewed in this manner is often referred to as espresso.
right? Well, there’s a little more to it, which is why we’ve created this guide for ordering coffee in Spain. Coffees Served with Little or No Milk Café Solo A café solo is a small cup of strong, black espresso. Café Americano If the intensity of a café solo is a bit much, try a café americano. This coffee contains the same amount of caffeine as a café solo but with more water, resulting in a milder flavor.
Ordering coffee in Spain involves the barista taking a cup of espresso and then adding milk to your liking. They won’t add any sugar. Rather, you will receive packets of sugar to add to your coffee yourself. Spanish coffee might taste more bitter than you’re used to, which can be attributed to the torrefacto method of preserving roasted coffee beans. The story of torrefacto is interesting, and linked to the Spanish Civil War. If you’re looking for non-torrefacto coffee in Spain, you should head to a specialty
Café Cortado A café cortado is a small cup of espresso with just a splash of milk. Other regions in Spain may refer to this drink as café manchado (coffee stained with milk). However, in some places, un manchado can mean the exact opposite: a glass of milk stained with a little bit of coffee, so be sure to specify!
coffee shop. If you just want a regular cup of joe, you can get one in most every bar
and restaurant. Sounds
simple
enough,
Café con Hielo This summertime favorite is simply coffee with ice. The barista will give you two glasses: one containing black espresso and another containing ice cubes. To enjoy, add sugar to your liking, stir to dissolve the sugar in the hot coffee, and pour your coffee over the ice. It’s a feat of physics if you can get all the coffee into the other glass without spilling any! Carajillo This coffee order doesn’t have a drop of milk—instead, it has alcohol! A carajillo is espresso served with rum, whisky or brandy. Coffees Served with a Lot of Milk Café con Leche A café con leche is coffee served with equal parts espresso and milk. Sometimes when you order this, the waiter may ask if you want hot or cold milk. If you’re in a bit of a hurry and can’t wait for the steamed milk to cool, you can ask for leche fría o leche del tiempo (cold or room temperature milk). More on that below! Café Bombón A café bombón is espresso with sweetened condensed milk. If you have a sweet tooth, you have to try it!
Decaffeinated Coffees Fresh decaffeinated coffee isn’t very popular in Spain, and many cafes may only have it in instant form. If you order a café descafeinado de sobre, you’ll receive a cup of hot milk and a packet of instant decaffeinated coffee. However, some cafes offer descafeinado de máquina (machine-brewed decaffeinated coffee). If you see it on the menu, decide how you would like your coffee served, and be sure to clarify that you want it prepared with decaffeinated coffee. For example, if you want a decaffeinated café americano, simply say: Querría un café americano descafeinado. Other Coffee Vocab In Spain the barista or waiter will often ask you how you’d like the milk in your coffee. Your decision will affect the temperature of your coffee when it’s served to you, so decide based on whether you like a scalding cup, a cool one, or something in between! Here are your options: Caliente: Hot, steamed milk Fría: Cold milk Templada: A mix of hot and cold milk If you have a preference on the vessel you’d like to drink your coffee out of, you can also specify: Taza: A mug with a handle Vaso: A little glass with no handle Enjoy Coffee the Spanish Way Now that you’ve got ordering coffee in Spain down, the last thing to note is that the traditional way to drink coffee here is not on the go. Do as the Spaniards do: drink your coffee in a beautiful public square or a quaint café, using the time to catch up with friends and family. You can use the opportunity as a short respite from exploring Madrid! Of course, if you’re on the go, Benidorms specialty coffee shops will be happy to send you on your way with your delicious cup of Spanish coffee! If you’re at a normal bar or restaurant, though, they might not have to go cups.
18 FOOD & DRINK
EAT & DRINK FOOD & DRINK
FOOD REVIEW 2 NEPALI TANDOORI LUNCH SPECIAL MENU This month my Husband and I enjoyed the new lunch menu available at Nepali Tandoori House located along the Calle Lepanto in the Rincon de Loix area of Benidorm. The popular eatery offers authentic Nepalese and Indian dishes, with fantastic food and dining reviews.
ble curry was packed with a variety of vegetables in a mild curry sauce as I had ordered, and the rice alike to my husbands was light and fluffy and served piping hot. We both devoured our meals and shared the freshly cooked naan bread laden with garlic. The portion sizes here are great and ensure that you won’t leave the eatery hungry! We were both fully satisfied with the meals and I had no room left for dessert, I decided on having a cappuccino whilst my Husband had a serving of vanilla ice cream. We both thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon lunch menu at the Nepali Tandoori House,
inside in the cool air-conditioned dining area as the weather here has been glorious over the last week. Our drinks order was taken as we looked over the new three course afternoon menu. I decided on ordering the vegetable pakora starter whilst by Husband opted
of fresh poppadoms and sauces as our meals were be
an establishment in the heart of the Rincon de Loix that ensures you receive fantastic service and incredible authentic
food. The Nepali Tandoori house offer a fantastic array of food and drink, that is adapt The restaurant has recently extended its service and now open from Tuesday to Sunday lunch times from 12.30 to 15.30 with a delicious afternoon set menu.
My Husband and I arrived just after opening and were greeted with a warm welcome from Jolmi and the team. We decided on sitting
for the chicken tikka starter. We were undecided on our main courses and eventually decided on the lamb curry, with boiled rice and the vegetable curry with boiled rice.
We also added an extra garlic naan bread to the menu to share. We enjoyed the selection
ing prepared. Our starters were served, my starter was of a great portion size, freshly cooked vegetable pakora that were cooked well, lightly spiced and tasted delicious. My Husband’s chicken tikka was also of a great portion size -a plate with succulent pieces of spiced chicken breast. We both cleared our plates and thoroughly enjoyed our starters.
ed to suit your taste. Call by and dine here at Calle Lepan to 21, for afternoon lunch or
Next to be served were our main meals, as our plates were served the dishes looked fantastic. My Husbands main dish of lamb curry was a medium spiced sauce just as he had ordered, a sauce of a great consistency, loaded with tender pieces of lamb. This was accompanied with a light and fluffy boiled rice. My vegeta-
for your evening meal - you won’t be disappointed!
THE BRITISH GAZETTE 19
Its a piece of cake
Spanish beers
S
pain is one of Europe’s biggest beer producers, so chances are you’ll want to try una cerveza (or two) when visiting The Dorm. Forget about the beers back home while you are here in Benidorm - But where to start? Many bars will serve you the local beer, so we’ve covered some popular local favourites, but Spain’s craft beer scene is also going from strength to strength. So from well-known classics to a new wave of micro brews, we explore the best cervezas to sample.
Estrella Damm This is the favoured beer in Barcelona and the one most likely to be served if you ask for a beer in Spain’s second largest city. The brand was founded in 1876, making it the oldest in Spain. Their beers have a rich, malty taste (the company is one of the last in the world that produces all of its malt barley in its own malthouse).
Moritz The only beer in Spain whose label is written entirely in Catalan, Moritz is a Pilsner larger brewed in Barcelona. Mahou Cinco Estrella It has become quite readily The beer you’ll most like- available throughout Spain, ly receive if you ask for una however, and is a popular tipcerveza (a beer) or una caña ple throughout the country. (a little beer), it was first introduced in 1936 and has been Ambar consumed in many a tapas This beer’s medium roastbar ever since. The blonde ed malt gives it its signature beer has a light taste and is bright amber colour and its the perfect refreshing tipple soft, balanced taste, making on a warm Spanish day. it a refreshing and popular drink. It is brewed in Spain’s La Virgin oldest brewery, in ZaragoThis craft beer, brewed in Las za, which also offers guided Rozas, just outside Madrid, tours (advanced booking rehas a full-bodied fruity taste. quired). The brew won four You can visit the brewery for medals in the 2016 World tours, tastings and a bite to Beer Awards. eat in its laid-back restaurant. Choose from the Ma- Spain’s biggest beer brand drid Lager, a pale lager, the is currently owned by Dutch Jamonera, an Amber Ale, the brewing behemoth Heinek360 pale ale or the brand’s en. It was founded in Seown IPA. ville in 1904 by two brothers from the Osborne sherry
family (creator of the iconic Osborne bulls). The brand, which is especially popular in Andalusia, makes several different types of beer but its Pilsner lager is the most popular. It was the first Spanish beer brand to create an alcohol-free beer, in 1976 and is the official sponsor of Spain’s national football team. Rosita Negra This honey-coloured ale is another popular addition to Spain’s craft beer scene. The taste is fruity (the brand says you should be able to detect banana and red apple, alongside a back note of molasses). The beer is available in three varieties: Rosita Original, a honey-coloured ale; Rosita d’Ivori, a light blonde beer and Rosita Negra, a brown ale. Alhambra This pale lager is brewed in Granada, southern Spain, and takes its name from its most famous sight, the stunning Moorish fortress that over looks the city. It was founded in 1925 and has been part of Mahou-San Miguel since 2007. The brand produces several different beers, from its Alhambra Traditional, a refreshing premium lager, to the Alhambra Reserva 1925, its most artisanal brew, inspired by the original beers produced at the brewery in
Local News By Charlotte Taylor
T
he team at the British Gazette recently visited the popular eatery ‘It’s a Piece of Cake’ and met with Linda and Connie. ‘It’s a Piece of Cake’ situated in the lovely bay of La Cala, Finetstrat is not just about cake, we offer a full menu, ‘Sing ‘a’ long Sunday’ with Sunday lunch, special occasion cakes and of course we also have dessert covered. We are ran and managed by a small family team and we are now going into our second
successful year. We are a family that has come from the West Midlands to live our life in sunny Spain. Mother and Daughter team play the main roles within the eatery, alongside our fantastic chef. In England we had our own café for thirteen years, so we are at the top with great customer service. At ‘It’s a Piece of Cake’ we await you with a warm welcome. Come as customers and leave as friends! Find us on Facebook for more information at It’s a Piece of Cake, and visit us at Avenida Marina Baixa 3, Local 2, La Cala.