Spain - Questions about Avila
May 22nd, 2009 | 06:41 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2005
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Spain - Questions about Avila
I've been to Spain several times but never to Avila. While in Madrid, I've visited Toledo, Segovia, El Escorial, so this trip I'd like to take a side trip to Avila. I'd appreciate any recommendations, comments, etc. and would be especially interested in restaurants for lunch or dinner. These don't have to be 5 STAR but somewhere where we would enjoy some of the local cuisine and local color. Thanks.
May 23rd, 2009 | 06:14 AM
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
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chestnut,
A third recommendation for lunch at the Parador.
About local cuisine-the veal from Avila is excellent so if there will be two people dining, you might want to order the chuletón de Avila (but it's enormous). Or their veal scallop.
Excellent as well are the broad white beans, judiones de El Barco de Avila, prepared as a stew.
I believe that cochinillo or tostón, is still on the menu, but you most likely have had it in Segovia. Ditto to their lechazo, roast baby lamb.
The nice thing about the Parador menu-it will offer all these regional specialties, and one can have the full 3 course menu or or shorter version of it. Or tapas in the pretty garden, as cruiseluv did.
And when we have wine with our meal we always order the Parador's special selections-either their "best wine at the best price" or their "discovery in the market" at a very reasonable price.
And after your meal, you might want to walk down to see the collection of storks' nests below the Parador. And walk a portion of the walls. They're open daily from April to October from 10-8.
I've also heard good reports about El Almacén, more contemporary style dining in an atmospheric, renovated 19th grain warehouse, but it's located outside the city, across the river, on the highway to Salamanca, with picture windows looking out at the city's medieval walls. Run by a husband-wife team-she's the chef.
But not convenient if you've come by bus or train. They rate a "sol" (like a Michelin star) in the Repsol guide, so more a gourmet experience.
I have it on my "to try" list.
A third recommendation for lunch at the Parador.
About local cuisine-the veal from Avila is excellent so if there will be two people dining, you might want to order the chuletón de Avila (but it's enormous). Or their veal scallop.
Excellent as well are the broad white beans, judiones de El Barco de Avila, prepared as a stew.
I believe that cochinillo or tostón, is still on the menu, but you most likely have had it in Segovia. Ditto to their lechazo, roast baby lamb.
The nice thing about the Parador menu-it will offer all these regional specialties, and one can have the full 3 course menu or or shorter version of it. Or tapas in the pretty garden, as cruiseluv did.
And when we have wine with our meal we always order the Parador's special selections-either their "best wine at the best price" or their "discovery in the market" at a very reasonable price.
And after your meal, you might want to walk down to see the collection of storks' nests below the Parador. And walk a portion of the walls. They're open daily from April to October from 10-8.
I've also heard good reports about El Almacén, more contemporary style dining in an atmospheric, renovated 19th grain warehouse, but it's located outside the city, across the river, on the highway to Salamanca, with picture windows looking out at the city's medieval walls. Run by a husband-wife team-she's the chef.
But not convenient if you've come by bus or train. They rate a "sol" (like a Michelin star) in the Repsol guide, so more a gourmet experience.
I have it on my "to try" list.
