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My long-standing good friends, Ian and Mary, took me out for a surprise lunch on my birthday. We drove the coastal scenic route to La Herradura, and then up the rugged mountain road to the Mirador de Cerro Gordo – a restaurant perched in the cliffs 200 metres above sea level and in the middle of the protected natural park of Cerro Gordo. The views were breath-taking, and the air fresh with the scent of pine trees, natural flowers and herbs.

We sat at a comfortable table outdoors so we could look at the scenery whilst we ate. We each chose one of the Gourmet Sandwiches available on the lunch-time menu. These sandwiches are made with ciabatta bread and served with a cup of home-made thick chips and alioli. The sandwich filling of my choice was the home-marinated salmon with cucumber, crisp lettuce and black pepper. Mary chose the peeled prawns with cucumber and a Marie Rose dressing; Ian had the warm, griddled breast of chicken with salad and a mustard mayonnaise. The Gourmet Sandwiches cost 6 euros each which at first I thought was a bit pricey for a sandwich, but then concluded that it was worth the price after I realised how filling and delicious the sandwich was. The other lunch-time menu option was Mixed Tapas – which has to be ordered for a minimum of 2 people -  also served with ciabatta bread, and consisting of such delicacies as smoked duck, Serrano ham, gravalax, etc. Ian had just about enough room for a delicious dessert afterwards:  sticky toffee pudding with hot toffee sauce and toasted nuts.

A truly wonderful lunch set in a unique relaxing setting, with friendly service and gourmet food. As an added bonus, the restaurant comes complete with its own pet black squirrel, “Lady Lucille” who jumps outdoors from tree to tree, occasionally landing on the straw shades above diners!

The occasion was an experience I would most definitely like to repeat. If you plan to visit this restaurant in the evening I would recommend booking a table in advance. They also cater for celebration parties and weddings. More information is available on the restaurant’s website, including their menus and some tasty-sounding recipes.

For keen walkers there is a rugged path beside the restaurant which leads to the Cerro Gordo Tower; for naturists there is another path which takes you down to the Cantarrijan naturist beach.

Mirador de Cerro Gordo; Ctra vieja de Malaga
Tel: 958 349 099
Email: reservations@miradorcerrogordo.com
Website: http://www.miradorcerrogordo.com

GPS: N36° 43.940 W003° 46.055

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Las Mayoralas restaurant serves a selection of dishes from the surrounding area of Axarquia and Andalusia beyond. Each dish is prepared with fresh, local produce and served in the charming, traditional-style dining room.

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One of the most reputable gourmet restaurants in the Axarquia area is located in Torre del Mar. I’ve dined at the El Salmon restaurant before, but this was the first time I had sampled their lunch time Menu del Dia. Prior to the first course we ordered a large mixed salad to whet our appetites. The customary fresh warm bread rolls with butter portions also arrived. The first course consisted of either a vegetable cream soup, tomatoes filled with seafood or a crepe filled with mushrooms in a creamy sauce. All starters were faultless in flavour. The second course was a choice of white filleted fish in a creamy sauce or marinated pork ribs; both dishes came with fresh vegetables and chips. The food was well presented and more than ample (I had to ask for a doggie bag for the leftovers). I personally found the ribs to be over-salted, but this is perhaps only because I rarely use salt in my home cooking. The dessert was a choice of vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce, flan or kiwi fruit. The entire meal was excellent value for money at a cost of 8.95 Euros. The service was excellent, as usual. One of our party was an invalid with a walking frame, but the restaurant catered for this with their toilet facilities being on the ground floor with no stairs or other obstructions. El Salmon also caters for special occasions and large parties – book in advance, as this is always a busy restaurant.

Avenida Andalucia 56
Torre del Mar (Malaga)

Tel. 952 965 424 / 662 086 854
E-mail: guillebenitez7@hotmail.com

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Located in the most historic quarter, by the cathedral, Cunini is an amazing seafood restaurant in the heart of Granada. Come here for top quality fresh seafood brought daily from the Port of Motril on the Mediterranean. You won’t find a better range of fresh fish and shellfish in town. The mixed seafood platter and the spicy, sizzling prawns al pil-pil are worth trying. There is an outdoor patio and a stand-up tapas bar inside. The adjoining bar serves great tapas at reasonable prices.
The menu is Spanish,  as Spanish as it can get, and sticks firmly to tried and tested local favorites;  a seafood lover’s delight. The lunchtime menu of the day is good value for money at EUR15.02 for three courses and wine, and the atmosphere is the best.  Cunini restaurant is also well known for its warm hospitality and customized service. The huge dining hall of the Cunini restaurant constitutes an ideal venue to dine out with your family and friends.

It really is an adventurer’s delight and a visit to the city is not complete without eating out in a restaurant like this.

http://www.onlineadventure.com/videos/Cunini-Restaurant-Granada-Spain

Plaza Pescadería 14
18001 Granada
Tel. 958 267 587

For those of you with a GPS   37°10’35.32″N     3°36’2.61″W

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Serving a contemporary European menu using only the finest and freshest ingredients in a beautiful setting, this restaurant is extremely popular. Set as it is, in a 16th century timber-framed building with an elegant and calming cream and pale green decor, the ambiance is stunning. This an ideal setting for a family gathering, or to take that special someone for a romantic meal out.

The owners pride themselves on giving good, courteous service and food that is difficult to surpass.  Dining here is a special treat.

Open 7 days a week for lunch and 5 days a week for dinner with  the alternative of a sun terrace for your meal, this restaurant is popular and booking is highly recommended.

Vist The Bay Tree Restaurant for a peek at their menus.

To book phone 01903 883679.
For those of you with a GPS 50°51’16.02″N   0°33’16.50″W

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