Restaurant Kosta d’Oro - the WOW factor!

FANS of Restaurant Kosta, which closed in mid­February, will be delighted to know that Restaurant Kosta d’Oro is now open. After 13 months of renovations, owners Christian and Ben and their staff are ready to welcome you for lunch or dinner.

After the excitement of last week’s launch party, they are understandably keen to see customers’ reactions to what many will say is the most beautifully appointed, best­located restaurant in the area. The building has been renovated to an extraordinary level of taste and luxury. With a perfect blend of traditional architecture and modern chic design, everything oozes comfort and glamour.

Let’s start outside. There’s a spacious outdoor kitchen where the restaurant’s chefs will cook up a storm every day from 12 noon to 5pm, and a stunning, well­appointed cocktail bar. The natural surroundings are matchless, with sweeping views over pine forests and the greens of the golf course towards the sparkling sea and the timeless Peñón d’Ifach. Who could ask for anything more?

Imagine yourself on a balmy summer evening watching the sun go down and sipping a cocktail, Champagne or a refreshing gin and tonic from the enormous poolside cocktail bar. By the way, the bartender at Kosta d’Oro previously worked at one of the world’s best cocktail bars ­ No. 14 ­ in Barcelona, so you are in for a treat.

Brad Pitt and Beyonce would look perfectly at home sitting by this pool and believe me, you’ll feel like a film star too when you have lunch or dinner on the enormous terrace. However, if you prefer, you can enjoy them at a romantic, secluded table in one of the many nooks and crannies afforded by this fabulous venue overlooking the pool or the golf course.

Once inside, you will surely be impressed by the artfully lit state­of­the­art wine cellar with a huge collection of over 2,000 wines. Whether you are an expert or just appreciate a glass of something nice, there will be the perfect choice for you in their collection. None of the building’s historic charm was sacrificed to this renovation, whose natural materials ­ stone, wood, clay tiles ­ and typical local architecture ­ glossy wooden beams, arches, thick walls ­ have been lovingly preserved and enhanced with carefully selected pieces of modern art.

The menu features a tempting range of Mediterranean, Italian and Japanese fusion dishes. As you might expect, it is packed with dishes to appeal to all tastes. The cold starters include fresh oysters, salmon tartare, octopus carpaccio and a Kosta classic, vitello tonnato with a creamy tuna sauce. There are also familiar favourites among the hot starters, with the ever­popular baked Camembert, as well as treats like scallops with parmesan foam.

Moving onto the main courses, these include fillet mignon, grilled black Angus entrecote, and grilled rack of lamb, and for fish lovers, there is everything from salmon and hake to monkfish and fresh tuna. For dessert, if you have any room left, homemade panna cotta, crepe Suzette and traditional tiramisu always hit the spot.

PICK AND MIX, the Guitar Group) gave its first indoor concert recently. Only seven of the group were allowed to perform for safety reasons, and the group had to wear face masks to start with; however, after being checked, they could remove them.

Everyone had an enjoyable time with lots of

PEGO’S office of tourism has published an online agenda of cultural events and activities taking place in the town and the villages of the beautiful Vall de Gallinera. The guide is available in several languages, including English, is easy to use and full of useful information.

If you are ready for some fun and fresh air, there will be organised walks, birdwatching in Bullent, and excursions to local sites such as the Cave of Canelobre, a trip singing and dancing. The group will be giving more concerts in the near future, and hopefully, more members will be able to take part. The guitar group meets every Wednesday in El Verger.