You Shall Have A Fishy

Even though we live inland now its still possible to get some wonderful fresh fish. Mercadona has its usual wet fish counter, there a branch in Abaran and two in Cieza. However there are also some extremely good dedicated shops dotted around. Our nearest is the little one in Blanca on the Calle Gran Via is called ROSA opposite the hotel ( I think every city town and village in Spain has a Gran Via. There is also fresh fish for sale in Blancas indoor market, so lots of choice. The little shop in Blanca gets our vote as it happens. On Saturday Rebecca and Joaquin came over for lunch and brought a nice big piece of Mero. Maybe it is because it feeds mainly on other fish, crabs and octopus that it tastes so good. It is very greedy and one of the major predators in the Mediterranean sea, a local fish and thats a major factor with us we do not want to buy imported foods. Mero is consider the finest of fish here in Spain.A member of the grouper species it has wonderful firm flesh and a taste somewhere between halibut and sea bass.The Spanish say 'De la mar el mero y de la tierra el cordero' (From the sea the dusky grouper, from the land the lamb). With freshly picked lemons to season it lived up to its reputation as a very special dish indeed. Sitting outside in the early autumn sunshine enjoying a family lunch, how good can it get? no better indeed.

Yummy Yummy

We had another night in Guardamar on Saturday last. We stayed at the Eden mar, very nice rooms and very quiet in that part of town, Its in the same street as Mercadona so very handy for the beach. One reason we wanted to stay over was to try out a restaurant we heard about. I was on a flight back earlier in the year and a fellow passenger told me about the Jaen. Jaen's bar and restaurant is in the main street of Guardamar on the left as you are coming from the town hall towards the Mercadona end of town, look out for the blue toldos ands silver tables and chairs outside.
The menu del dia (served at night too) is just 8 euros per person including wine. The menu is extensive and interesting and wine is included( did I say that already ah well worth saying twice!). The Guy who runs the front of house with just one other waiter is a delight. He works non stop speaks many languages and is constantly cheerful. We had a leisurely meal that started with salad bread and allioli to keep us going while we perused the menu. Everything we eat was great, my fish soup most especially, no room for desert we had a cup of the excellent coffee and a second bottle of red for which they charged us just 2 euros. The atmosphere was lively the place lacked for nothing except the kind of pretention British restaurant are so infamous for. We recommend you give it a try you can bet your life we will be going back again. If you do not want the menu del dia by the way the tapas menu looks mouth-watering.