The Costa Brava (again) in May

Beautiful Begur

Last month we made our regular weekend trip to Begur.  We ate boquerones in a bar on Sa Tuna beach, washed down with a huge Campari overlooking the sea.  We did our usual walk to Sa Riera.  We took time out to visit some of the historical buildings in Begur and I thought this blog post would be about that, but having sampled our most memorable meals of all our visits to the area this post will be about food!

We tend to eat at Pizzeta – an Italian restaurant in Begur (I know not very Spanish, but it has a lively atmosphere eating outside in a courtyard.)  That’s what we did on the Friday we arrived, having booked up a new restaurant experience at Platillos for the following night. The food at Pizzeta is always good and it is always popular.  On this particular evening they had the huge patio heaters on as it was unseasonably chilly.  The next evening we made our way to Platillos.  Having read the reviews on Trip Advisor we were looking forward to sampling the tapas style food.  At first there was confusion about our booking and we thought we were going to have to go hungry. It is a tiny establishment and we were advised that they would squeeze us in, if we could be through by 9.30pm – the Spanish eat very late so this wasn’t a problem for us.  We sampled exquisite tuna, seared on the outside and salmon with wasabi ice cream.  I had a dessert called Dracula, which was different – a concoction of red berries floating in Coca-Cola with vanilla ice cream.    All the tables were taken and people were being turned away.  The wine was good too.  The waitress seemed relieved when we had finished as their next guests had arrived for our table.

Peratallada

Friends had recommended we visit the town of Peratallada – a 20 minute drive from Begur.  We booked a table at Candelaria for Sunday lunch.  Again, this restaurant had rave reviews.  Parking the car easily, we entered Peratallada through an ancient gateway and wandered the cobbled streets.  There were a few tourist shops and I’m sure it gets crowded in high season, but on this particular Sunday morning it seemed unspoilt and peaceful.  We enjoyed sitting in the main square soaking up the colourful atmosphere.  

Looking forward to eating at Candelaria

We turned up at the restaurant at 1pm and were the first clients – there were people turning up to eath when we left at 3.30pm!  Candelaria is quirky with bright blue walls, odd chairs, floral tablecloths, a floral toilet seat in the ladies and tasteful line drawings of nude women in the men’s toilet (so I’m told!)  They served a complimentary glass of vermouth and olives.  Then followed potato foam with paprika served in a Kilner jar, a prawn risotto with pea foam and, for the main course, the choice of stir fried pork or cod.  The dessert was blood orange foam, layered with natural yoghurt and fresh melon (typing this makes my mouth water!) There was homemade bread with olive oil.  Coffee was served with mini muffins. The adventurous cuisine was beautifully presented, delicious and a bargain at 22 Euros for lunch.  It was a memorable meal and we vowed to make it a regular stop on future trips to Begur.