May 22, 2014 WALKS IN HISTORY: Eating “caracoles” By J.A. Pilares no longer sees the fields around the cities full of children in this manner, thankfully, but snails are still eaten. Not as a poor substitute for meat, but as a delicatessen, as a dish that can only be eaten during a few weeks in the spring. Snails today are raised in much the same way that Fluvius Hirpinus did in Roman times; in specialized farms, where their diet and environment are controlled. Many of these farms actually clean the snails before shipping them, and some also freeze them to sterilize any bugs or viruses that they could carry with them. Snails are usually cooked in large caldrons, as it is unviable to make small pots considering all the work that goes into cleaning them, which means that they are usually just seen in bars or in big family events. My own uncle, Paco, is a great snail-chef and has his own secret mix of spices that make his snails unique. He lives near to Gibraltar and his use of spices clearly shows the influence of Moorish cuisine in Andalusian dishes. If you ever go to Granada (and Granada is a city that one MUST visit in a lifetime) you have to try the snails in “Bar Aliatar (Los caracoles)” in plaza Aliatar, in the Albaicín quarter; there the snails are cooked in a sauce made from tomatoes, cayenne peppers and almonds; delicious. And here in Rota… the best I have tried are from “Bar Bigote” in calle Medina del Campo, next to the swimming pool. The local recipes are not too spicy, but “Bigote” makes his snails particularly tasty. So, you might wonder, what does a snail taste like? Well, to say the truth, nothing really. Snails are just like shellfish, they taste like whatever you put into their sauce. If you ever brave up and decide to try them just think that: they are the same as shellfish… only that these are “land” shellfish.
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Last spring I was introducing a British friend to eating tapas in Granada when I took him up to Bar Aliatar. He had tried along the way many different tapas, but when he was faced with a bowl of snails in tomato and almond sauce he began getting cold feet about trying new things. I just told him “Close your eyes and think of England”. He laughed, went on to it… and before I knew it he was getting a second bowl all for himself.
eople everywhere love spring. To some because of the longer days, others enjoy the warmer climate and don fewer clothes… in Andalusia there are plenty of reasons. The blooming orange trees scent the streets in Seville, the patios in Córdoba and Granada become the centers of social life, and many enjoy in bars and taverns the delicatessen of spring: snails. To an American, eating a snail could seem something disgusting… but like Timon and Pumba would say: “Slimy, but satisfying”. Snails in Spain and Portugal are usually cooked in a sauce made with tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and several spices. The French eat them too, in a butter, parsley and garlic sauce, calling the “escargots”. I prefer the Iberian recipe, if I may. Snails, or “caracoles” have been a staple of Mediterranean cuisine since at least the Bronze Age; as the large amounts of snail shells accumulated in ancient garbage dumps seem to suggest.The Roman writer Pliny the Elder tells us that a Fluvius Hirpinus built a farm to raise snails near Tarquinia (near Rome) in 50 BCE. For most poor people, snails were a cheap source of protein that could be simply gathered in the fields or hedges around towns. People that could hardly, if ever, afford to buy meat could in this way supplement their diet which was usually based on grains, legumes and vegetables. This custom has continued on to our days. My own parents in their childhoods would head out in the spring to capture snails which to include in the family menu. The snails could be added to soups, rice, porridge or eaten by themselves. Today one
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B May 22, 2014
The Spring
Ayuntamiento El Puerto Santa Maríao
Ayuntamiento El Puerto Santa Maríao
Ayuntamiento El Puerto Santa Maríao
Ayuntamiento El Puerto Santa Mar Ayuntamiento El Puerto Santa Maríao
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few weeks ago, in the Coastline, we talked the local “ferias” and what they are all abou year, in the neighboring town of El Puerto d Maria, Feria is being celebrated from Wednesday, t of May to Monday, the 26th. It´s official name is “L de Primavera y Fiesta del Vino Fino” which mean Spring Fair and Fino Wine Festival.” Each year, the dedicated to a country, another city, or to a specifi ish region. This year the celebration will be dedic the United States. This past Friday, the Mayor of El Puerto de Santa Ma with the Commanding Officer of U.S. Naval Statio Spain, Captain Greg Pekary, USN, at a function wh official poster announcing the Spring Fair was unve Puerto´s Mayor, Alfonso Candón Adán, also presen open letter inviting everyone to attend El Puerto´ I have translated portions of that letter to read as [This year´s Fair] “is dedicated to the States, and by doing so we open our hous city, and our Fair to all Americans: to those that liv est to us, at the Rota Naval Base, as well as to tho are on the other side of the Atlantic, since our in is to make the Spring Fair and Fino Wine Festival a of international importance.” He also added invite you to become a part of our city, even if fo days, so that you can get to know the citizens of El
May 22, 2014 C
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who are outgoing, kind, and friendly. I am sure that, once you have met them, you will want to return.” On Wednesday, May the 21st, at 10 p.m., the lighting ceremony and grand opening of the Fair was held at the El Puerto fairgrounds. The entrance to the Fair is now festively adorned with a large, brightly-illuminated, portal which includes an artistic representation of both the American and Spanish flags. Also, many of the decorations that adorn the fairgrounds are in red, white and blue colors. The lighting ceremony and grand opening hosted a representative of the United States Embassy, the Commanding Officer of the U.S. Naval Station Rota, Spain, and the Spanish Admiral of the Rota Naval Base. At the ceremony, one of the fairground avenues was named as the “Grand Avenue of the United States” by the Mayor of El Puerto de Santa Maria. This morning, the same officials will tour the City of El Puerto de Santa Maria and will attend receptions at City Hall and at Bodegas Osborne. An official reception including Spanish governmental authorizes will be held at the “U.S. caseta” on the fairgrounds. A “caseta” is a tent-like structure that is usually sponsored by an organization or group of friends. However, there are some that are considered “official” casetas. The “U.S.” caseta and the “City Hall” caseta will be among the official ones. In speaking with a city official, I was told that the U.S. caseta will have
a variety of American cuisine items, American music, and will be open to everyone, as are all of the casetas at the Fair. Going back to the discovery of the “New World” in the 1400´s, the town of El Puerto de Santa Maria has had a close connection to what later became our country. I think that, for this reason alone, it is very fitting that we share this important annual event with our neighbors and that we celebrate our friendship. In the City of El Puerto de Santa Maria, there are 1,990 Americans who are registered as permanent residents. I have no doubt that many of them, such as myself, are former Navy members. Three of those Americans, who are now permanent residents of Spain and have lived in El Puerto the longest, have been identified as distinguished guests at this year´s Feria. They are: Mr. Larry Smith, Mr. Denver Lewis Morris, and Ms. Joan Barbara Demy. Of course, the El Puerto Feria is one of the most popular in the Andalusian region. It certainly is the largest in the Cadiz Bay area. Like most ferias, it began as a livestock fair in the Middle Ages. In time, it became an increasingly social event which continues in its popularity. It promises what it does every year: good food, good wine, a friendly atmosphere, Spring-time weather, and lots of people. Each day of the Feria, between noon
and 7 p.m. you will be able to witness the promenade of Andalusian horses and their riders, along with a variety of colorfully-decorated horse carriages. There is also a “carnival” portion of the feria, where children can enjoy amusement-park rides. Today,Thursday, the 22nd, the rides are offered at a reduced price. The area is located in a specific area of the fairgrounds and, as in most ferias, it is usually referred to as “Inferno Street.” I don´t know why it is called that, but I have been told that I don´t understand because I don´t have any children. The Feria continues until Monday and will culminate with a grand fireworks display at 10 p.m. that night. I plan to attend and I encourage all Americans in the area to join me. Please note that parking is always difficult because of the number of people attending. To me, the easiest and smartest option is to take a taxi. I´ll see you there.
Ayuntamiento El Puerto Santa Maríao
May 22, 2014
The view from CView Caseta U.S.A. As commented in this week’s article by Alberto Avila, this year El Puerto’s Spring Fair is dedicated to the U.S.A. The food served in the caseta will be prepared by a local American themed restaurant located in Vistahermosa so in addition to the typical feria foods, you will be able to enjoy typical American foods. They will be serving nachos, onion rings, chicken fingers, burgers with the works, bacon and cheese fries, ribs (original BBQ and honey BBQ), roasted chicken wings, steaks, hot dogs, delight jalapeños and a combo plate. This chain restaurant claims that their onion rings are probably the best in the world. Try them and find out if they are right. In the caseta de EEUU there will be American music as well as Sevillanas. This year you can enjoy feria in two cultures. Since this year is dedicated to the U.S.A., I encourage you to go to the feria and take your Spanish friends. Shamrock's Bar & Eatery Keep in mind Shamrock's is hosting a Feria themed weekend. You can have a taste of Feria without going to the grounds. They are opening tomorrow at 12 onwards so you can relax and have fun all day.
to join so if you are interested in learning more about the D’Sherry Explorers, don’t miss the presentation. Restaurante Los Rescoldos In my humble opinion, Restaurante Los Rescoldos is one of the truly fine restaurants in El Puerto. Since it opened nearly two years ago, I have eaten there numerous times and never been disappointed. This definitely says something about consistency and professionalism. Personally, I really like their lamb chops, but all of their meat is superb; they have several different types from different regions of Spain. Also noteworthy are their grilled vegetables and an original dish they serve of leaks and cheese. All of their products are top quality; their olive oil is outstanding and their house wine is very good. All in all, if you want a memorable meal, try Los Rescoldos. It is located on Camino de los Enamorados as you go toward La Puntilla beach. It is a good idea to make reservations, call 856 921559.
Discover Sherry – D’Sherry Explorers With a focus on continuing to learn about Sherry and its many facets, Virginia has created a group called the “D´Sherry Explorers.” The group formalizes a practice of visiting wineries, vineyards, and restaurants in order to meet with wine-masters, oenologists, owners, chefs, and others who have special in-depth knowledge of the Sherry industry and peripheral industries. It also invites those persons to speak about their particular expertise in a friendly and respectful atmosphere. The official presentation will be on May 30th at 20:00 in Hotel Pinomar in El Puerto de Santa María. It costs nothing
ROTA
XXVII Holy Week Photography Contest Categories: adults (older than 16) and juveniles (up to 15). The contest is for professionals or amateurs. Theme: Holly Week in Rota. Prizes: Category adult: First Prize is 500 €, Diploma and announcer Poster of Holly Week 2015. (It is donated by the Municipal Foundation for Youth, Culture and Sports). Category juvenile: First prize is a Digital Tablet of 7”and Diploma. (It is donated by the Municipal Foundation for Youth, Culture and Sports).
Second Prize: It is a Digital Camera and Diploma. (It is donated by the Local Board of Brotherhoods and Fraternities). Time limit: from May 19th to October 17th 2014.Works can be delivered from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 14:00 hours in the Town Hall Register, through the Office of Attention to the Citizens (OAC) or by email to the Municipal Foundation for Youth, Culture and Sports, XXVII Photographs Contest, Alcalde Felipe Benitez Theater, Avenida San Fernando. Concert at Red Lion tomorrow night, May 23rd by Alfred Romero on Avda. Sevilla starting at 23:00. Freak Party at La Calabaza Mecáni-
Hotel Duque de Nájera-Restaurante el Embarcadero Restaurante El Embarcadero in el Hotel Duque de Nájera in Rota has a new tapas menu. The tapas are paired with wines from Bodegas El Gato also in Rota and there are special menus for two people; menus that make a meal. For example: chopped avocados, palm hearts, roasted red peppers and crayfish served with Manzanilla J. Martínez; beef pie with a sauce of foie, wild mushrooms and caramelized onions served with Cream J. Martínez; Pork in its juice with garlic wild mushrooms served with Oloroso J. Martínez; For dessert there are homemade tintilla torrijas (similar to French Toast) served with muscatel ice cream over English cream and Tintilla wine. The price of the menu for two is 20€. A second menu consists of a cod salad with tartar sauce and Fino Andaluz J. Martínez; Country style bread with apple sauce served with Moscatel J. Martínez, Grilled Iberico pork with small sausages and potatoes served with dry Oloroso J. Martínez and for dessert a white chocolate cake with almonds and Pedro Jiménez J. Martínez. This menu comes to 23€ for two. Stop by El Embarcadero and try these tasty and original tapas paired with great wines. Molly Malone Molly Malone has started new summer hours. They now open Monday through Friday at 16:00 and on Saturday and Sunday they open at noon. Group booking for lunch are available with prior reservations. Tomorrow night, May 23rd, the group Vale That will be performing at 21:30. Don’t miss it! Anything you want us to pass along? Let us hear from you about your favorite places or coming events. We do like hearing from you! Send an e-mail to Karen@ coastline.e.telefonica.net or give a call to 607-564132. Support your paper by supporting the advertisers.
ca: The night of May 24th. Celebrate the day of Friki Pride: 37 years since the premier of Star Wars. It’s a costume party- dress up as a comics character, movie character etc. There will be prizes, drawings and invitations for those that are in costume.
PUERTO DE SANTA MARIA
Feria from the 21st of May to Monday the 26th at the Fair grounds. Feria at Shamrock's this weekend. Enjoy the feria atmosphere at Shamrock's. Jam Session Night Every Saturday at Molly's Bring your instrument and join in!