Cochinillo in Segovia

Old Apr 25th, 2016, 03:25 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,476
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Cochinillo in Segovia

Do you have a favorite place in Segovia for cochinillo? Has anyone been to Al Abuelo lately which has been around since pigs were invented? Is it still good or is it a tourist trap?

Thank you.
IMDonehere is offline  
Old May 1st, 2016, 10:01 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 23,255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm embarassed to say that I had not heard of La Abuela before, but I did like Jose Maria very much. I think all the asadores get tourists but maybe you can lessen the balance by eating on the late side, which you already know.

I did not find an overwhelming amount of tourists at Jose Maria (I think Candido gets more). This thread is old but maybe some good info within, esp on food; the comments on the pig at Jose Maria are on June 6th, I believe:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...nd-segovia.cfm
ekscrunchy is offline  
Old May 1st, 2016, 10:32 AM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,476
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks Esk

I am not sure how late we are staying because we are making a day trip by AVE from Madrid.

My wife remembered that Al Abuelo gave us a bowl for 40 years ago, which we found. We were in Segovia for a week then and ate there often. We had a lot less money and the choices were limited.

I want to walk into the restaurant and say, "Ill have the usual."

BTW, EKS, we had really good moules frites in Manhattan at BXL Zoute.


http://bxlrestaurants.com/
IMDonehere is offline  
Old May 1st, 2016, 01:49 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
CANDIDO was "jammed packed" in Segovia in the afternoon.
If you consider this, I suggest make reservations as to be sure it will be available.
It seems like the true authentic experience in Segovia.

Of course the location right next to the Acquaduct makes it very easy for all to locate & it seems to be "a must" for true foodies wanting the authentic experience.
Hopefully it is as good as it used to be, as it was not inexpensive.
We looked inside the restaurant as we were curious, and it was so well known.
But..............

I did not eat there as I have to say it freaks me out to see the Conchinello on the platter.

Although I don't doubt it is delicious.
Segovia was wonderful to see.
TrendGirl2
TrendGirl2 is offline  
Old May 1st, 2016, 02:31 PM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,476
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks Trend.

We have made our own cochinillo, when we dug a pit in a BIL's backyard. The Spanish demonstrate that the pig has been cooked perfectly when the take a dinner plate and with the edge cut large pieces of the pig.

We will be going during the week in September, so we are hopeful the streets and restaurants will not be too crowded.
IMDonehere is offline  
Old May 1st, 2016, 03:10 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi! Another vote for José María....we were there three or four years ago, and everythig was excellent, not only cochinillo. If you like sweets, try ponche segoviano.

Enjoy!
jelopez33 is offline  
Old May 1st, 2016, 03:22 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I am impressed.......YOU ACTUALLY DUG A PIT & cooked the Pig yourself.

thanks for sharing about the Spanish tradition and the dinner plate!!!!!

In September, the weather should be pleasant, & hopefully not as crowded as in the summer months. I was there in November,
which was very pleasant and a crisp mild day.

TrendGirl2
TrendGirl2 is offline  
Old May 1st, 2016, 04:24 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,659
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes on 1 Post
I ate at both Candido and Jose Maria during my visit to Segovia. Both for dinner. The food was equally good. I really enjoyed the upstairs dining room by the front windows at Candido over the dining room at Jose Maria's.
joannyc is offline  
Old May 3rd, 2016, 11:20 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Is there a way to order conchillo so you don't actually see the piggy? My kids will try almost anything as far as food is concerned and I know they would try the conchillo and likely enjoy it but not if a piglet is visible on the plate!
casperjj is offline  
Old May 3rd, 2016, 11:25 AM
  #10  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,476
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
They might see it at another table. Some places have pictures, others make a big deal of cutting it with a plate as noted above. The first time I had it was in a small town called Arévalo, some fellow was savoring the head on his plate.
IMDonehere is offline  
Old May 3rd, 2016, 11:33 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Umm, ok. I guess my instinct was right... we should probably skip that
casperjj is offline  
Old May 3rd, 2016, 11:48 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Casperjj:

The HEAD OF THE PIG along with the body complete with "squiggly tail" was right there....on the platter.

It was prepared beautifully, but NOT FOR ME...!

It freaked me out.
TrendGirl2
TrendGirl2 is offline  
Old May 3rd, 2016, 02:05 PM
  #13  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 23,255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Looks like Jose Maria has a special knife, a cuchinillo, with which you can most easily savor that cochinillo.



http://eladerezo.hola.com/utensilios...a-segovia.html
ekscrunchy is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
lreynold1
Europe
8
Nov 4th, 2013 02:44 AM
Curiousaboutit
Europe
20
Apr 6th, 2011 04:38 PM
trips4fun
Europe
6
Feb 3rd, 2011 05:18 AM
CFW
Europe
5
Mar 27th, 2004 05:36 PM
treysgranny
Europe
6
Mar 1st, 2004 03:51 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -