ASTURIAS IN LATE OCTOBER??
Sep 10th, 2017, 06:20 AM
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ASTURIAS IN LATE OCTOBER??
Since I neglected to follow through on planning this trip until now, I am not even sure about availability.
But I'm thinking about flying via Madrid, to Oviedo. Spend _____ (Three??) nights there. After that, rent a car and head for:
One or both of two nice hotels near the coast:
Palacio de Luces in Lastres (Question: Is Lastres a decent sized town, of any interest??)
PuebloAstur Eco-Resort in Cofiño, which is close to Arriondas, home of at least two good restaurants.
Of course eating is a prime driver of this trip, along with scenery.
Would it make any sense to stay at both of these rural hotels and do day trips from both?
Between these two hotels stays, drive south to Leon area, stay in Astorga and eat at Bodega del Capricho, famous for steak. Hopefully they do not book out far ahead like Etxebarri.
Then return to the other of the two hotels before heading to airport for trip home.
What am I missing here? Hotels in Oviedo do not seem too inviting but which would be the best bet, the Barcelo? Want to be able to walk to center.
I'd love the thoughts of people here who know the area, especially Robert 2016!!!!!!
But I'm thinking about flying via Madrid, to Oviedo. Spend _____ (Three??) nights there. After that, rent a car and head for:
One or both of two nice hotels near the coast:
Palacio de Luces in Lastres (Question: Is Lastres a decent sized town, of any interest??)
PuebloAstur Eco-Resort in Cofiño, which is close to Arriondas, home of at least two good restaurants.
Of course eating is a prime driver of this trip, along with scenery.
Would it make any sense to stay at both of these rural hotels and do day trips from both?
Between these two hotels stays, drive south to Leon area, stay in Astorga and eat at Bodega del Capricho, famous for steak. Hopefully they do not book out far ahead like Etxebarri.
Then return to the other of the two hotels before heading to airport for trip home.
What am I missing here? Hotels in Oviedo do not seem too inviting but which would be the best bet, the Barcelo? Want to be able to walk to center.
I'd love the thoughts of people here who know the area, especially Robert 2016!!!!!!
Sep 10th, 2017, 02:37 PM
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Palacio de Luces is the only 5-star in the area, a Relais & Chateaux, and quite nice, but also on the expensive side.
Oviedo is an interesting university town, and you will find the statue of Woody Allen, seemingly walking down Calle Milicias Nacionales, hands in his pockets, as part of its open-air sculptures in the city. His glasses were in need of repair the last time we saw him, but other then that, he was in good shape. It's also where they filmed part of Vicky Cristina Barcelona. There is also a statue in the Plaza de la Escandalera by Botero, "La Maternidad".
There is the historic Hotel de la Reconquista in Oviedo, now a Eurostar property, where Woody stayed while filming Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Outside of Oviedo, just to the south, is the Castillo Del Bosque La Zoreda, a luxury property, a 5-star like the Palacio de Luces.
Since this is all about food, while in Oviedo, you can dine well at Casa Fermín (www.casafermin.com) or Mestura (www.mesturarestaurante.com), both with 2 Repsol suns. There is also Del Arco (www.delarco.com), Naguar (http://naguar.es) and Ca'Suso (www.ca-suso.com).
While you're in the area of Astorga, head over to Ponferrada to see the Castillo de Ponferrada, the restored Templar castle and the Monasterio Santa María de Carracedo.
Be sure to try some of the outstanding wines from El Bierzo like Viña de Moya from Bodegas Luzdivina Amigo, or something from Bodegas Godelia.
Oviedo is an interesting university town, and you will find the statue of Woody Allen, seemingly walking down Calle Milicias Nacionales, hands in his pockets, as part of its open-air sculptures in the city. His glasses were in need of repair the last time we saw him, but other then that, he was in good shape. It's also where they filmed part of Vicky Cristina Barcelona. There is also a statue in the Plaza de la Escandalera by Botero, "La Maternidad".
There is the historic Hotel de la Reconquista in Oviedo, now a Eurostar property, where Woody stayed while filming Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Outside of Oviedo, just to the south, is the Castillo Del Bosque La Zoreda, a luxury property, a 5-star like the Palacio de Luces.
Since this is all about food, while in Oviedo, you can dine well at Casa Fermín (www.casafermin.com) or Mestura (www.mesturarestaurante.com), both with 2 Repsol suns. There is also Del Arco (www.delarco.com), Naguar (http://naguar.es) and Ca'Suso (www.ca-suso.com).
While you're in the area of Astorga, head over to Ponferrada to see the Castillo de Ponferrada, the restored Templar castle and the Monasterio Santa María de Carracedo.
Be sure to try some of the outstanding wines from El Bierzo like Viña de Moya from Bodegas Luzdivina Amigo, or something from Bodegas Godelia.
Sep 11th, 2017, 02:52 AM
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A million thanks! Do you think that this sounds like a good trip for about 9 days? It's really weather dependent.
I'd like to visit the Sunday market in Cangas del Onis and I guess we could toodle around on day trips.....there seem to be a lot of restaurants in the Repsol guide, including Casa Gerardo, which is a bit far from this target area but might be worth the drive (??)
I'd like to visit the Sunday market in Cangas del Onis and I guess we could toodle around on day trips.....there seem to be a lot of restaurants in the Repsol guide, including Casa Gerardo, which is a bit far from this target area but might be worth the drive (??)
Sep 11th, 2017, 05:52 AM
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Casa Gerardo (one Michelin star + 3 Repsol suns) is only about a 30-minute drive from Oviedo, which is nothing when heading for lunch at one of Asturias' best restaurants. Casa Marciel isn't bad either if you're in or near Arriondas.
We've never worried about the weather when in Asturias, sometimes its part of the charm. Late October shouldn't be a problem. November could be questionable. You'll enjoy the trip! And don't forget an umbrella.
We're heading back to Porto and the Douro in late October and expecting it to be as warm as the last time we ventured up river into the Alto Douro.
We've never worried about the weather when in Asturias, sometimes its part of the charm. Late October shouldn't be a problem. November could be questionable. You'll enjoy the trip! And don't forget an umbrella.
We're heading back to Porto and the Douro in late October and expecting it to be as warm as the last time we ventured up river into the Alto Douro.
Sep 11th, 2017, 06:59 AM
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Superb!!
What do you think of this plan, going third week October:
JFK-OVD via MAD
Taxi from airport
3 nights Hotel de la Reconquista
3-4 nights near Arriondas at PuebloAstur Eco Resort
While there, dine at Casa Marcial, Casa Gerardo, and others.
Sunday market at Cangas del Onis.
http://www.puebloastur.com/
Shall I include Coral del Indianu?
1 night Astorga at Casa le Tepa (did not answer my e-mail request yet) or Spa Cuidad de Astorga...would like hotel that allows walk to sights in city.
Dinner that night at Bodega del Caprichio (thank you for alerting me to this restaurant!!! I later saw it on a Netflix film..a must do after my introduction to the meat of Northern Spain at Etxebarri and Ibai last year!!) And I am not even a steak lover but those were out-of-this-world great.
2 nights 5 km outside Luarca at http://www.hotelrural3cabos.com/
Drive to airport for flight home via MAD
What do you think of this plan, going third week October:
JFK-OVD via MAD
Taxi from airport
3 nights Hotel de la Reconquista
3-4 nights near Arriondas at PuebloAstur Eco Resort
While there, dine at Casa Marcial, Casa Gerardo, and others.
Sunday market at Cangas del Onis.
http://www.puebloastur.com/
Shall I include Coral del Indianu?
1 night Astorga at Casa le Tepa (did not answer my e-mail request yet) or Spa Cuidad de Astorga...would like hotel that allows walk to sights in city.
Dinner that night at Bodega del Caprichio (thank you for alerting me to this restaurant!!! I later saw it on a Netflix film..a must do after my introduction to the meat of Northern Spain at Etxebarri and Ibai last year!!) And I am not even a steak lover but those were out-of-this-world great.
2 nights 5 km outside Luarca at http://www.hotelrural3cabos.com/
Drive to airport for flight home via MAD
Sep 11th, 2017, 07:16 AM
#6
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Mistake above: Possibly dine at Casa Gerardo by taking taxi or driving from Oviedo during stay there. Closer to Oviedo than to Luarca or Cofiño.
http://www.restaurantecasagerardo.es/carta/
http://www.restaurantecasagerardo.es/carta/
Sep 11th, 2017, 10:03 AM
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I'm not familiar with Puebloastur, but it looks interesting. Their restaurant hasn't been reviewed by Repsol, but it is guided by Chef Ramón Celorio, who started the 'Slow Food' movement in Asturias.
If you can include Coral del Indianu, it should be worth it. It's only a few minutes south of Cofiño.
If you do happen to get over to Lastres, you might want to check out El Barrigón de Bertín (http://elbarrigondebertin.com). It's been a few years since we've had lunch there, but it was excellent and prices are still reasonable.
We've stayed at the Torre De Villademoros (www.torrevillademoros.com), which is a little closer to the airport. The tower room was great!
If you do the Sunday market in Cangas del Onis, then you can hop over to Ribadesella for lunch at La Huertona (http://restaurantelahuertona.com), open on Sundays. Arbidel is closed on Sundays.
If you can include Coral del Indianu, it should be worth it. It's only a few minutes south of Cofiño.
If you do happen to get over to Lastres, you might want to check out El Barrigón de Bertín (http://elbarrigondebertin.com). It's been a few years since we've had lunch there, but it was excellent and prices are still reasonable.
We've stayed at the Torre De Villademoros (www.torrevillademoros.com), which is a little closer to the airport. The tower room was great!
If you do the Sunday market in Cangas del Onis, then you can hop over to Ribadesella for lunch at La Huertona (http://restaurantelahuertona.com), open on Sundays. Arbidel is closed on Sundays.
Sep 11th, 2017, 01:10 PM
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Mil gracias, otra vez!!
Hotel Palacio de la Reconquista appears to be full for our dates (third week October). (Not a very good online booking system so II have written to them but
other sites including booking.com show them to be full). So have provisionally booked the NH which appears to have a better location than the Barcelo.
Best news is that Bodega del Caprichio has confirmed a table for dinner!!
Thank you so very much for all of your help!
Hotel Palacio de la Reconquista appears to be full for our dates (third week October). (Not a very good online booking system so II have written to them but
other sites including booking.com show them to be full). So have provisionally booked the NH which appears to have a better location than the Barcelo.
Best news is that Bodega del Caprichio has confirmed a table for dinner!!
Thank you so very much for all of your help!
Sep 13th, 2017, 03:26 AM
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Robert2016: Do you have any idea of how I can find the direct e-mail of the Reconquista in Oviedo? I have now sent them 4 e-mails (only the Eurostars e-mail is listed, not the hotel's direct one) and received not one response. The hotel appears to be sold out for two of my four nights but I wonder if I could get myself on a waiting list.
So far I have booked:
4 nights NH Oviedo
4 nights PuebloAstur with meals at Casa Marcial, Casa Gerardo, and Coral de Indianu
Requested lunch at La Huertona
1 night Casa de Tepa, Astorga with dinner at Bodega el Capricho
Remaining booking is only for the last two nights, either at Casa Rural 3 Cabos or Torre de Villademoros..both look divine; one is closer to airport but the other closer to Luarca (?????)
Will book Casa Fermin and one more in Oviedo.
If you think of anything else, place let me know!! I certainly will check to see if Woody's glasses have been repaired. Poor guy!!
So far I have booked:
4 nights NH Oviedo
4 nights PuebloAstur with meals at Casa Marcial, Casa Gerardo, and Coral de Indianu
Requested lunch at La Huertona
1 night Casa de Tepa, Astorga with dinner at Bodega el Capricho
Remaining booking is only for the last two nights, either at Casa Rural 3 Cabos or Torre de Villademoros..both look divine; one is closer to airport but the other closer to Luarca (?????)
Will book Casa Fermin and one more in Oviedo.
If you think of anything else, place let me know!! I certainly will check to see if Woody's glasses have been repaired. Poor guy!!
Sep 13th, 2017, 09:18 AM
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Sep 13th, 2017, 09:30 AM
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Thank you so much, yet again!!
All hotels are booked, as well as restaurants (except in Oviedo city).
What about Gijon--day trip?? Or better go late afternoon for tapas, cider, etc?
Are there frequent trains, or is a taxi a not-crazy $$$ option? (Will not pick up car until the last day in Oviedo, to drive to Casa Gerardo).
All hotels are booked, as well as restaurants (except in Oviedo city).
What about Gijon--day trip?? Or better go late afternoon for tapas, cider, etc?
Are there frequent trains, or is a taxi a not-crazy $$$ option? (Will not pick up car until the last day in Oviedo, to drive to Casa Gerardo).
Oct 11th, 2017, 03:58 AM
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Question for Robert, or anyone else who knows the answer:
In reading the menus of various Asturian restaurants, I see many plates listed as "taco de ..........," as in "taco de salmón ahumado," at Casa Fermin, and "taco de gauchin Astur Celta," at the restaurant at Pueblo Astur.
I know this not a taco in the Mexican sense of a corn tortilla under or wrapped around a protein or vegetable, but what does it mean? (My online searching lead nowhere...)
http://www.casafermin.com/wp-content...rta_fermin.pdf
In reading the menus of various Asturian restaurants, I see many plates listed as "taco de ..........," as in "taco de salmón ahumado," at Casa Fermin, and "taco de gauchin Astur Celta," at the restaurant at Pueblo Astur.
I know this not a taco in the Mexican sense of a corn tortilla under or wrapped around a protein or vegetable, but what does it mean? (My online searching lead nowhere...)
http://www.casafermin.com/wp-content...rta_fermin.pdf
Oct 11th, 2017, 10:05 AM
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LIncasanova: Thank you for solving the puzzle for me! And my very best regards to you and your family. I'll never forget that memorable day we spent together in your spectacular Valencia.
Oct 11th, 2017, 11:41 AM
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Yes, taco, like bodega and tortilla, has a slightly different meaning in Spain.
http://sevilla.abc.es/gurme/recetas/...uza-rebozados/
We found Tacos de merluza rebozadas (17€) on the menu at Castelados in Madrid (Michelle Obama stopped here on her last trip), and Tacos al Pastor (12,50€) at the Kurassal Cafe in Donostia.
http://sevilla.abc.es/gurme/recetas/...uza-rebozados/
We found Tacos de merluza rebozadas (17€) on the menu at Castelados in Madrid (Michelle Obama stopped here on her last trip), and Tacos al Pastor (12,50€) at the Kurassal Cafe in Donostia.
Oct 12th, 2017, 06:01 AM
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Gracias, Robert! As I understand you, I can find both traditional tacos (tacos al pastor) and the Spanish version, which means a piece of protein cut into blocks
(tacos de merluza). During the last week or so, I've been looking at menus of the place we plan to eat and salivating over the choices!
Speaking of restaurants in Asturias, this one has piqued my interest, for good traditional cooking, as opposed to the many big-name "nueva cocina" places that we have booked: MOLIN DE MINGO, at the end of a narrow, winding mountain road not too far from Arriondas and Cangas de Onis; no website.
https://www.guiarepsol.com/es/gastro...nacho-manzano/
http://conelmorrofino.com/viaje-a-as...olin-de-mingo/
http://www.fartucate.net/asturias-ga...a-y-cachopo-2/
Also, this looks like an interesting site for gastronomy of Spain; in Spanish, however.
http://www.fartucate.net/category/ex...turias/oviedo/
(tacos de merluza). During the last week or so, I've been looking at menus of the place we plan to eat and salivating over the choices!
Speaking of restaurants in Asturias, this one has piqued my interest, for good traditional cooking, as opposed to the many big-name "nueva cocina" places that we have booked: MOLIN DE MINGO, at the end of a narrow, winding mountain road not too far from Arriondas and Cangas de Onis; no website.
https://www.guiarepsol.com/es/gastro...nacho-manzano/
http://conelmorrofino.com/viaje-a-as...olin-de-mingo/
http://www.fartucate.net/asturias-ga...a-y-cachopo-2/
Also, this looks like an interesting site for gastronomy of Spain; in Spanish, however.
http://www.fartucate.net/category/ex...turias/oviedo/
Oct 12th, 2017, 07:02 AM
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It's about a half-hour drive south of Ribadesella and about the same from Arriondas. It looks promising and might be worth the drive, beautiful countryside.
Yes, Fartucate.net is interesting! It goes well with www.lesfartures.com.
Yes, Fartucate.net is interesting! It goes well with www.lesfartures.com.
