The Almadraba; a unique historical & cultural experience of a lifetime.
The Almadraba Experience: A Unique Historical & Cultural Journey Every spring, the pristine waters of Spain’s Costa de la Luz become the stage for an ancient tradition—the Almadraba experience. This remarkable fishing technique, dating back over 3,000 years to the Phoenicians, is a breathtaking spectacle of skill, sustainability, and cultural heritage. It is an event […]
In Praise of La Casa del Califa Hotel: A Global Gem in Vejer de la Frontera
Nestled in the heart of Vejer de la Frontera, La Casa del Califa Hotel is more than just a place to rest your head—it’s an experience woven into the very fabric of Andalucian history and charm. Recently honoured as one of the Telegraph’s Top 50 Hotels in the World for 2024, La Casa del Califa […]
Lomo en Manteca: A Savoury Slice of Andalusian Tradition
Lomo en Manteca, literally translating to “pork loin in lard,” is a quintessential cured meat dish originating from the Andalusian regions of Málaga and Cádiz in southern Spain. This humble dish boasts a rich history and a simple, yet incredibly flavourful profile. Understanding the Essence: At its core, lomo en manteca is pork loin simmered […]
La Taberna Lomo en Manteca – a great new bar in Vejer.
A Slice of Heaven: La Taberna Lomo del Lomo en Manteca Showcases Vejer’s leading preserved delights Vejer just stole my heart (again!), and this time, it’s all thanks to a new tapas bar called Lomo en Manteca.Recently I’ve hung my head in despair when witnessing changes in Vejer de la Frontera such as people installing […]
Solemn Procession for Vejer’s Virgin de la Olivia, August 2023
Almadraba, May 2023
It’s always very moving and such a privilege to witness the lifting of an Almadraba trap off the coast of Costa de Luz. An early morning start from the port of Barbate is often required as the lifting is timed with the turn of the tide. This year we departed Barbate at 06.45. To appreciate […]
How I was missing a beautiful place around the corner for 20 years!
You never know what surprises are around the next corner. I bought my house here in Vejer 20 years ago. In July 2003, I signed, paid, and collected the keys to my new Spanish holiday home. It was never the plan to live here, but when I started to appreciate the delicious delights of Vejer, […]
Gourmet capital of Spain 2022: SANLÚCAR DE BARRAMEDA
CELEBRATING SANLÚCAR DE BARRAMEDA IN 2022 GASTRONOMIC PRAISE FOR SANLUCAR DE BARRAMEDA It was only a matter of time before, Sanlúcar de Barrameda was given the dazzling recognition it deserves. SANLÚCAR DE BARRAMEDA – MORE THAN JUST MANZANILLA The Gourmet capital of Spain 2022 is SANLÚCAR DE BARRAMEDA ! This historic seaside town, only 50 […]
Blue Fin Tuna Facts – The Spring Almadraba in South West Spain
BLUE FIN TUNA & ALMADRABA FACTS The Almadraba is an ancient method of catching the migrating Blue Fin Tuna off the coast of SW Spain. It was devised thousands of years ago by the Phoenicians using an elaborate maze of nets held in place by huge anchors. Lasting approximately 6 weeks from the end of […]
Cooking Holidays in Spain – Divine seasonal salads
This yummy salad of Fresh Figs, Cabrales Blue Cheese, Walnuts & Bacon, fried and then pan de-glazed with PX Sherry, was the first thing I served to guests on a recent course. When at the end of the course we were discussing favourite dishes of the week – guests kept refering back to this spectacular […]
