Tasting the Stars: Culinary Excellence at OAK Firehouse

JUNE 2023 saw the grand opening of OAK Firehouse & Cocktails, a captivating al fresco dining space. Every detail from the contemporary rustic chic interior to the evening views of La Concha over the emblematic OAK tree centrepiece, is enchanting.

Speaking with Operations Director, Rod Combes, he explained that the vision for OAK was to create a sophisticated dining experience where people can indulge their senses with the best quality meat from Norteños.

Presented in a smoky glass jar, the sweet notes of OAK’s signature Apple 23 cocktail has forever set the standard for any future cocktail experience. With a menu that also caters to the classics, OAK’s mixologists are guaranteed to dazzle your taste buds.

We started our culinary journey with the Basque­ style Grilled Chistorra, and the Pe ­ ruvian Sea Bass Ceviche. The distinctly smoky notes of the Grilled Chistorra perfectly balanced the spiciness, whilst the sweet and tangy notes of mango and pico de gallo complemented the sea bass in a celebration of flavour.

The culinary prowess of OAK’s chefs is on full display in their artful handling of the finest cuts of meat. Our main course, Chateaubriand for Two was beautifully presented with a table top signature OAK barbecue oven, ensuring that each slice is cooked to a cus ­ tom level of perfection. The tenderness of the steak combined with sautéed mushrooms and tomato was a

SUMMER is here, and Mijas has a fabulous programme of events on offer for residents and visitors to enjoy some cultural fun in the sun.

Starting with food, the town is running its annual ‘Ruta de La Tapa’ Tapas Trail, every Tuesday and Thursday from 7.30pm until 11pm, until Thursday, August 24. The event offers guests discounts on a range of delicious dishes in Mijas Pueblo.

In terms of music, Mijas is the place to be this summer. The Live Mijas By Night festival got underway at the end of June, offering nightly musical performances from Monday to Thursday in Mijas’ main square, as well as Friday shows in La Cala De Mijas’ La Butibamba Park. A market also opens during the performances.

Other musical events include the Music in the Patio series at the Folk Museum in Mijas Pueblo with two more shows set to take place on Friday, July 21 and Friday, July 28.

The town’s Theatre Festival is also underway this week, from Thursday, July 13 until Sunday, July 16, featur­ beautiful blend of flavour, that the carefully grilled Mediterranean vegetables, Pomme Frites, and Padron Peppers complemented for a rich taste. Our taste buds were treated to a wonderful pairing with a fruity wine from the familyowned vineyard of Tudanca Rueda from the Ribera del Duero.

Drawing this incredible evening to a close, was OAK’s specialty dessert option Soufflé of the Day. Served with a flambé, the golden crust gave way to a wealth of sweet and creamy flavours that tasted like heaven.

It’s safe to say that La Sala Group have done it again, creating a magical venue that is in its own league. OAK’s close attention to personal service and premium experience brings back the magic that we all feel the first time we spend a fine summer evening in the Costa del Sol.

Summer of culture

ing a range of performances in Mijas’ Municipal Auditorium.

Mijas is also hosting weekly flamenco shows in its main square on Wednesdays at 12pm throughout the summer.

There are also a number of indoor exhibitions for those seeking respite from the sun or interested in local culture. Exhibitions include Mijael Ruggieri’s ‘Principium’, ‘Japan in Mijas’, and a ‘Water’ photography exhibition.