Arriving at Hostal La Torre, then driving through its gates is like entering a secret location, one that promises much more. And indeed it does; this 17-room bohemian boutique hotel is simply styled, without clutter and decorated using natural materials. The location at Cap Negret could not be better, being perched on a cliff top overlooking the splendid San Antonio Bay. We went on a sunny November lunchtime to try out their fixed-price menu that its restaurant is putting on for the Restaurat festival, held every year in the autumn months in and around San Antonio.
The chef Andres prefers to use local products with the emphasis on freshness. He even knows which days to buy his fish to get the best possible. Food here is a mix of Mediterranean, world flavours and influences of Argentina, where Andres hails from. Each year the Restaurat festival features a special seasonal ingredient. Last year it was the turn of goat's cheese and this year, the pumpkin. Hostal La Torre's menu is the only one to use the vegetable in all the dishes from start to finish and as you will see, these guys are creative.
Sublime views
The view from the restaurant is sublime, with a slope of red rocky cliff with a walkway in front that goes down to the sea. We perused our menus whilst watching the fishing boats going past, each with their flock of seagulls following the catch. Heaven could be here, with a wide blue sky, big expanse of deep blue sea and nature that makes you feel glad to be alive.
Towering above
The Restaurat lunch-only menu has two each of starters, mains and dessert to choose from. We chose one dish from each course, in the purposes of retaining some intrigue for you the reader. The first course was very nicely presented pumpkin ‘tower' in keeping with the name of the place (Torre means tower in English). This was a spinach crêpe filled with pumpkin and parmesan on a bed of beetroot pureé. And what flavour: the two of us gobbled it up like hungry schoolboys.
Acorn-fed pork
The main evidently had to match up. And it did. We had Secreto Ibérico, a prized cut of pork, from a prized animal, the Iberian black pig that only eats acorns. It is deep of flavour, due to a marbling of fat that bastes as it's cooked. This one was grilled 'a la plancha' with mashed pumpkin and potato and thin strips of roasted red pepper. It was divine. Our dessert was pieces of caramelised pumpkin in a cinnamon syrup and fresh cream ice-cream. This too was delicious and shows you just what you can do with this autumnal squash.
Food from day to evening
You have till 11 December this year to get this menu, but never fear since when this ends, Hostal La Torre will offer its own fixed-price lunch menu. The hotel and restaurant opens all year round too and of course in the evening, when you should go and try out its a la carte menu to sample one of its tasty sounding dishes like the Cap Negret seafood platter or its triple Ibicenco tomato salad, with strawberries and cherries. Look out for themed evenings with specially created dishes from places like Morocco and Thailand too. Then there's the breakfast, for which it is famous - people travel there just for that.
A note on the very friendly staff without which a restaurant can't operate. Here, you can be assured that you will get service with a smile and a warm welcome. Whenever you go to Hostal La Torre, it will be an experience. Imagine eating delicious food, with dramatic bay views and being in harmony with the world. That's what you'll feel and that's why you should go.
More info Call: +34 971 34 22 71
Quick facts
What? Hostal La Torre restaurant
Where? Cap Negret, San Antonio Bay
When? Diners will be served at all times during restaurant opening hours. The restaurant is open April to October from 8 h - midnight and November to March from 8 h to 23 h
Why? Need we say? Amazing food and those views
Average spend per head? €45 for a starter, main course, dessert and glass of house wine. The regular fixed-price lunch menu is priced at €22 for three courses.
Veggie options? Yes and the menus indicate which ones. For breakfast they even have a tofu scramble and they also offer bread without gluten
Disabled facilities? Yes, in the ladies toilets
Top tips? Go for one of the best sunset experiences on the island whilst dining - you'll be blown away
WORDS | Julian Heathcote PHOTOGRAPHY | Peter Young
