2 minute read
Gourmands welcome
Gourmands
Welcome
Palma is a paradise for gourmands.
Rarely a week goes by without a fair being held dedicated to one of the island’s prized ingredients. Whether olive oil from Caimari, wine from Binissalem, sea salt from Es Trenc or Sobrasada from Campos; it’s fresh local produce which fuels the kitchens of the Balearic capital.
And there are many, many kitchens competing to create the most complete and creative dining experience. Even high end restaurants offer excellent value three-course lunch deals. While top chefs appreciate local ingredients, they also relish the challenge of taking their clients on a sensory adventure around the globe. Fusion cuisine is abundant; fragrant, colourful and sometimes quite unexpected.
It’s not only the dishes which are
exquisite. Palma has some truly remarkable dining rooms; from tranquil internal courtyards in historic manors to contemporary rooftop terraces with stunning sea views. There are palaces, stables, vaulted cellars and monasteries; all which have been converted into temples devoted to fine dining.
Of course, high quality gastronomy doesn’t always require a formal setting. Palma’s fresh food markets offer a lively atmosphere in which to sample a wide selection of succulent seafood, superior cured meats and divine cheeses. In Mercat de l’Olivar, visitors are often unable to resist the lure of the gastronomic stations adjacent to the market stalls. After all, a moment of consideration while you enjoy fresh oysters and sparkling wine, is advisable when there’s so much choice laid out before you.
If Palma’s exciting gastronomic offering happens to fill with you with a sudden desire to don a chef’s hat, there are numerous show cooking events and workshops to teach you the necessary skills. San Juan Gastronomic Market is one such venue with a tasty programme of courses. A word of warning though, you may find yourself being distracted on arrival by all the mouthwatering display cases. The food market, which is housed in a prize-winning modernist building, is the ideal place to go with friends who all want something different, but all share a love of great food.
Tapas are also a hugely important part of Palma’s foodie culture. Every year for TaPalma, chefs across the island battle to concoct the most innovative and tasty creation. There’s even a weekly tapas route, called La Ruta Martiana, in which participating bars offer a tapa and a drink for as little as two euros. Tapeando really is the perfect way to try lots of different flavours in one sitting.
The Mediterranean diet is famous for
being nutritious and delicious; Palma embraces its roots but also warmly welcomes the diversity of international cuisine. One thing is certain, in the Balearic capital you will never be hungry for exceptional food.
