Gourmet Bytes

ZOZOÏ

FINE DINING IN THE OLD TOWN

Coming back to Zozoï in Marbella’s Casco Antiguo is always a pleasure, not only for the warm welcome from Celine Debonnet and her team, but also as the food never fails to impress. WORDS JAMES SINCLAIR PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

A PLACE TO RELISH

The iconic restaurant is located at Plaza Altomirano close to the main Church Square. Passing through the arch with the menu displayed alongside, you traverse a front terrace very popular with diners in summer, before entering the main restaurant. Here cosy tables enjoy a birds eye view of the kitchen, always a hive of activity. To the rear of the restaurant is located their covered garden terrace with a glass roof, sections of which can be opened to the stars. It’s a pretty place, with sofa seating on the edges and linen covered tables with wrought-iron chairs, large wicker basket lamps overhead, and plenty of foliage comprising ferns, verdant plants and palms.

Lingering in this relaxing oasis is pleasant indeed, with a convivial ambience engendered by nice music and the ebb and flow of other diners chatting at surrounding tables. The waiting staff are super friendly making you feel you are part of the family, at once adding to the enjoyment of the occasion. ›

A CHEF WHO DELIVERS

The kitchen is headed up by maestro, Maxime Lenoir, who joined the current set-up seven years ago and has hardly missed a day since. So adept at working with his dedicated kitchen staff has he become that they can even cater events for 40 people ordering freely from the menu. Key values in this kitchen include fresh produce, teamwork and a consistency which has garnered the premises a loyal following. The menu is fairly compact but sufficiently diverse to cater to even the most fervent of regular diners. We prepared to get in the mood for the feast that was to follow with a couple of house cocktails.

FOOD TO DREAM OF

Following an appetiser of Hummus with Breadsticks, both home made and impossible to resist, our party savoured three starters which all hit the spot. The Butterfish Ceviche with Coconut Milk, Lime, Chilli and Fresh Coriander was wonderfully refreshing, while the Mexican Croquets with Guacamole and Salad and the Prawns Diabolo in a Creamy Sauce with Cognac and Chilli really spiced up our palates. ›

Our main courses dully arrived and, as with the entrées, were very enticing in their presentation. A big mention must go to a special on the evening, the Cod Fillet, covered by slices of pickled ginger, with Oyster Sauce and seasonal Vegetables. The fish was perfectly cooked, with the the flakes just sliding on the fork, delivering a fusion of contrasting flavours. We also made short work of a velvety Beef Tartar, lusciously melting in the mouth, coming with a smooth salad and crunchy gherkins, and the Black-Jack Tenderloin Steak, served in a creamy black pepper and Jack Daniel’s Sauce, accompanied of course with pukka Pommes Frites. We finished this wonderful meal with a fresh Strawberry Pavlova, Maravilla – a meringue base covered in whipped cream with dark chocolate shavings, and a delicious Caramel Ice Cream Cocktail with Caramelised Popcorn.

For dining on this level, in a wonderful setting with a great atmosphere, we definitively recommend that you make a reservation soon. e

g Zozoï Restaurante, Plaza Altamirano, Marbella Old Town. Open Every evening for dinner from 7pm to midnight, Closed Tuesday. Tel: 952 858 868, www.zozoi.com

SANLÚCAR DE BARRAMEDA NOW OFFICIALLY A GASTRONOMIC CAPITAL

Sanlúcar de Barrameda is a very special city indeed, for it was the exit point of the first expedition that circumnavigated the world (that of Magellan and Elcano). It was recently deemed a new World Capital of Gastronomy at the International Tourism Fair (FITUR), celebrated in Madrid. This city receives over 80,000 tourists a year and is famed for various delicacies – including succulent prawns, fried fish, and irresistible desserts. i www.capitalespanoladelagastronomia.es

HIRE YOUR PERSONAL

CHEF IN MARBELLA OR SOTOGRANDE

If you love the idea of having a Personal Chef whip up a fine meal for friends and family at your home in Marbella or Sotogrande, then Paolo Bertucci is ready to make it happen. The talented Chef sources the freshest local produce, arriving at your home with enough time to prep, cook, and clean up, so you can relax and enjoy the company of your guests. Choose from the Chef’s seasonal lunch or dinner menu, or go for a full-service hire. Paolo can stay with you for a few weeks, months, or a whole season, preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day! i Further information, www.personalchefmarbellasotogrande.com

SALÓN GOURMETS EVENT HOSTS THE WORLD EVOO CONTEST

The fourth day of the Salón Gourmets event (in Madrid) hosted the first-ever World EVOO Competition. Jaén and Córdoba took home the lion’s share of prizes, which were awarded by a jury of professionals from the sector. The Salón Gourmets Quality Award for the Best Intense Fruity Green EVOO was awarded to Molino del Genil Picual by Molino del Geníl (Córdoba). More awards were given to oils of different intensities, while the Protected D.O. award went to Oleo Subbética by Marín Serrano El Lagar, S.L., whose protected D.O. is Priego de Córdoba (Córdoba). The event also celebrated the 12th edition of the GourmetQuesos competition, the most important in Spain, recognising excellent cheeses from various categories (including blue, smoked, and sheep’s cheese).i www.gourmets.net

EL ARQUITECTO WINE FROM RONDA

WINS GOLD MEDAL AT THE BACCHUS AWARDS

The 20th edition of the Bacchus International Wine Competition saw Bodegas Lara’s El Arquitecto take home a Gold Medal. The event, organised by the Spanish Wine Tasters’ Union, saw over 1,700 wines from 17 countries take part in a blind wine tasting competition judged by 86 expert noses. El Arquitecto is the only wine with a Málaga D.O. to win this prestigious prize. i www.bodegaslara.com