GUEST BLOG: Sarah Mac on Food and Wine in Spain

I don’t know about you but my idea of socialising isn’t sitting in a loud bar not having a conversation. I like to talk; and I like food. And wine; I really like wine. Set me up with a 2004 Rioja Reserva or better a 2001 Gran Reserva; or a 1998 Priorat or even a 2007 Emporda from the Costa Brava and I’ll be a happy girl.

Spain Food and Wine

I love Spain for food and wine. I adore the ‘sobre mesa’; sitting around the dinner table enjoying several courses of honestly prepared food and a variety of complementary beverages. And conversation. I run a business, and I love to talk about life; politics; economics; the stuff that makes the world go round. And as luck would have it, Spanish people love this type of conversation: they engage in it with a passion you’ll never experience over here.

For Starters…

Favourite foods? Well for starters I’m really into a table full of variety. There’s nothing like the aroma, appetising aesthetics and mouth watering taste of freshly and expertly carved Jamon ibérico: cured ham off the bone; but not just any Jamon ibérico; the more you eat this stuff the more you demand; like wine really. Quick lesson then:

The best (and most expensive) jamón ibérico is called jamón ibérico de bellota. What this means is the pigs are free range and before they become food, they happily walk about in oak tree forests feeding on acorns. The nutty taste that results is unbelievable; I can’t get across the way my taste buds are tingling thinking of how the flavours infiltrate those sensitive sections on your tongue, especially when conjugated with the right wine, which to harmonise with this flavoursome nibble has to be a short and sweet number like a Malaga wine or a Moscatel. It just works; trust me.

Schmaturated Fat

So, jamón ibérico de bellota is what you need as part of your perfect starter and whatever you do, don’t mess about taking the fat off: it’s a superb, melt in the mouth delicacy so get it down your neck and enjoy something a bit non Weight Watchers for a change. Saturated fat: schmaturated fat.

Love Cheese

Next: cheese. There’s no messing about here. Spain isn’t really a cheese board country like France or southern England. You don’t get a selection and they don’t dress it up with grapes or crackers: Queso Manchego is what you’ll be given in most places, and the dryer the better. Why? Because it goes better with your wine.

Clamming Up

What else to start? Razor clams. I can’t even say that out loud without yearning. You need a good drop of exceptionally dry and frighteningly cold palomino fino though to really get the best out of them. A good starter wine: Tio Pepe, served uncompromisingly cold as they say, is the perfect partner.

Main Course

I haven’t even dusted the surface here for starters but I’m not allowed that much room on this hen weekends in Spain blog so I’d better get on with the main course.

Andrea said I can only mention limited choices otherwise it will end up sounding like a foodie website rather than a Barcelona hen weekend website, so I’m just covering a couple of meat dishes. I like fish, but I’ll do that in another blog as there is much to mention on that front, what with all the stews and stuff. And sorry, but I don’t do vegetarian.

Tournedor Rossini: heaven meets meat. Just-done; the best bit of the cow makes this fillet steak which oozes pink-ness and intricate flavours. It’s topped with duck’s liver pate; served on meat-juice soaked toast and doused in a dash of delicious pan juices.

Solomillo Iberico: a great, succulent pork steak, full of salty flavours and oh so juicy. I know, I know – I’m English – but honestly this is just so good with chips! Home made, deep fried chips though, not frozen oven chips.

Filete de Buey: Ox, basically. Ox for some reason tastes better than normal beef. It’s got a richer flavour. Try it, and see if you can get it barbequed because the smoke makes it taste more authentic.

Posh Nosh a la Aunty

I’m running out of room here and I haven’t even started on wine. I’ll do a separate blog on wine. Andrea says I have to shut up now but to say all this food and more is available on her Spain hen weekends and that she will arrange any restaurant you like, and she personally knows Michelin chefs and everything. She knows everyone. So if you want posh nosh on your Costa Brava hen weekend, ask Andrea and she’ll sort it.

I’m off to get something to eat. And drink.

Sun, Sea and Seclusion in Spain

If you ask me, hen weekends in the UK have limited appeal. Sure it is possible to go to places such as Newcastle or London and have a good time. But you can have a good time every weekend in these places doing the same thing, just minus the L plates.

But what about those of you who want a hen do that is different, involves fun activities that are centred on the sun and sea and are exclusively designed for you? If all this is on your checklist, an Aunty Andrea hen weekend in Spain will be perfect. 

What can I offer I hear you say? Well, come to Spain’s Costa Brava for my hen Catamaran Cruise and I promise you sun, sea and seclusion. It’s a four hour cruise that includes drink, food, secluded coves and much more. Why not take advantage of Spain’s natural bonuses whilst out here enjoying your last days of freedom? Yes I can offer bar crawls that will rival any other destination. Yes I can offer fantasy men and spa treatments that have to be seen and experienced to be believed.

But I can also offer what London and other UK resorts cannot. Heat, beautiful beaches, clear blue seas and secluded spots of coastline – where anything can happen! But don’t just take my word for it. Come experience a hen weekend Costa Brava for yourself!

Who says girls have to be girls?

Boys will be boys and girls will be girls as the saying goes. There is nothing wrong with that if you ask me. But, what if you and your hen party are after something a little bit different, and dare I say it, more adrenaline fuelled than the usual shopping trips or spa treatments most hen companies have on offer?

Is there anyone out there who can cater for the more thrill seeking hens?

Of course there is – me. For  hen weekends in Spain that will push you close to the edge, contact Aunty Andrea. My white knuckle activities are not just designed for stags you know!

Hen quad biking is great fun that will make any hen weekend in Spain totally enjoyable and memorable in ways that many (including your boys) will not be expecting. Alternatively, if you want to do something as equally exhilarating but a bit more exotic and unusual, try my hen power boating experience. Wickedly wet and wild, you will end up with the worst case of wind hair in your life but also some great experiences. Just capture it on camera for eternal laughs!

So if you want to show your boys that it is not only men who can do something adventurous, get in touch so you can see my full range of hen activities on the Costa Brava and how I can custom build an action packed Spain hen weekend for you all.

Botox Bride?

I always thought renewing your vows was something you did after you’d been married long enough to be at the stage where you don’t talk to each other any more. Not Katie and Alex though, no. They’ve been married five minutes and there they are again like heat seeking missiles courting even more publicity by renewing vows on which the ink hasn’t even dried yet.

Still, it’s an excuse for a shindig, and I like a good one, so why should I worry? Just found it amusing that the hen party was held at a Botox clinic. OK well maybe it was a luxury spa but by the look of the aftermath, Botox was well and truly on the menu.

Seriously though, if a Botox party is what you want for your hen party, I can help. Here in Spain we’ve got our own fair share of luxury spas, as well as wall to wall retail therapy in shoppers’ heaven Playa D’Aro. The great thing about a hen weekend in Playa D’Aro is that being a lesser advertised resort, it is riff-raff free. I mean, Marbella is OK but EVERYONE goes there for their Spain hen weekend, so why not do something exclusive?

So how about it ladies? Pampering spa treatments, a bit of filler if it takes your fancy, and some exercising of the credit card? Talk to Aunty and she’ll get it sorted for you!

Boys, boys, boys for your girls’ weekend!

It’s your last weekend of freedom so all you have to do is let Aunty know how outrageous you want it to be, and honestly, there is no limit: seriously.

If boys, boys and more boys are all you want to see, get yourselves over to sunny Spain for a hen weekend you will never, ever forget.

We have a catalogue of men to suit all tastes, honestly this is like choosing shoes. Take your pick from our boy brochure! You name it, we have it. Tall, dark and handsome; fair and flirtatious; blue-eyed and baby-faced.

What does the bride’s fantasy man look like? Describe him to Aunty and she’ll arrange for him to spring out of the background at whatever venue takes your fancy during your Spain hen weekend. A trendy club; a cosy bar; a fun eatery. Wine, dine and enjoy the view: Aunty Andrea’s Hen Fantasy Men is all the rage at the moment amongst ladies looking for that last stab at letting their hair down before picking socks up off the bathroom floor takes over.

Aunty is a particularly fussy lady so you can rest assured her catalogue only contains the very best, mouth watering male specimens!

And that’s just for the night time; there is plenty of fun to be had during the day on your Spain hen weekend too! From designer shopping sprees to hot hair ballooning; horse riding to paintballing, there really is no limit to the fun that can be had on an Aunty Andrea hen weekend in Spain.

Now, where’s that catalogue, I fancy something dark and mysterious tonight…

Sign off the WAG list and sign in to Playa D’Aro

This week Cheryl Cole announced she would divorce her roving eyed husband. And who could blame her? So, what should she do to celebrate? And what should all you girls be doing to forget the football and focus on what really matters: shopping?

Aunty Andrea may specialise in hen weekends in Spain, but she also organises a mean retail therapy jaunt for those ladies in need of putting all their men related woes behind them. So if you are signing off the WAG list like Cheryl Cole; eliminating a useless other half at long last or just fancy a weekend away from the yawn-some world cup commentary, let Aunty sort it.

Check this out: Playa D’aro on the Costa Brava is renowned for its shopping offer. Seriously ladies: bags. Shoes. Labels. My heart is racing.

On Aveninda De S’Agaro the major shopping area of Playa D’Aro, it’s a case of whatever you want, it’s here. Clothes, jewellery, whatever takes your fancy. This is a Costa Brava hen weekend without the woe of a wedding when you get back.

And then on to the main street, a vast array of shops and boutiques will greet you, including literally dozens of handbag stores. Need a new bag? Hang on, what am I saying? When do you need a new bag? WANT a new bag? Desire a new bag? This is designer handbag heaven girls so make sure you haven’t completely severed all ties with the ex because you’ll need full reign of his credit card for this girls’ weekend in Playa D’Aro.

We’re talking literally hundreds of shops here in Playa D’Aro ladies; all set along wide avenues and dotted amongst swanky terraced cafes. Shop; rest; sip a refreshing aperitif; shop again; rest your high heeled feet; indulge in a luscious lunch; and then saunter off to a mellow sun down. Forget the guys and enjoy your girly weekend courtesy of Aunty!

Alternatives to Watching the World Cup

What will you be doing ladies whilst the boys are watching the footie? Shopping? Lunching? Lazing in the garden? How about you all get together and do something a little more outlandish?

Aunty Andrea may specialise in hen weekends in Spain, but she’s been booking some girly weekends with a difference lately for those mates that want to leave their world cup obsessed lads to it and spend some quality time browsing racks of designer labels and parading up and down shoe shop walkways glancing at divine heels instead.

Some of my ladies are even going to further extremes and booking full on activity weekends. And why not? Anything beats being glued to a penalty shoot-out, right?

How about learning to make a true, authentic paella? And then finding out the secret ingredients to the most potent Sangria ever?

Or what about an intriguing treasure hunt? Scour through cryptic clues laid out before you within the walls of an ancient village overlooking the sea and discover the booty that will have you shouting ‘goal’ so loud the boys will hear it back in Blighty.

And then there’s a barbeque at sea; set sail on a glorious catamaran and take in the stunning Costa Brava scenery as you sip champagne with the salty sea breeze rippling your hair. Set down in a secluded cove and listen to that grill sizzle as a sumptuous lunch is served.

Football? What football? Get yourselves booked on a Costa Brava hen weekend and get away from it all. Don’t worry if you’re not getting married, in fact, all the better: why worry about a wedding when you can spend the money on shoes and champagne instead?

Joint Stag and Hen Do? Well if you must, Aunty can do!

According to the media, Charlotte Church has decided a joint hen and stag do with fiancé Gavin Henson is the way to go to avoid trouble.

A report in the Daily Star says the singer worries that a stag do without her will land Henson in trouble. "Charlotte knows what Gav's schoolmates are like and reckons things will get out of hand”, said a newspaper source.

Hence attempting to talk her fiancé into a joint stag and hen do. Keeping an eye on her betrothed seems to be a priority, for some reason.

Apparently, "She's worried they'll shave his eyebrows off or get him arrested for something silly like being naked in the street," says the paper. Heavens above. What sort of stag weekend does she think people go after these days?

No messing about; men want a bit of action don’t they on their stag weekend? None of this silliness; let’s have some paintballing, quad biking, speed boating, scuba diving, archery, go-karting and whatever else it is you want to do.

Worried about your man away with the lads? Don’t. Aunty won’t let any harm come to them. They wouldn’t dare under Aunty’s regime! They’ll have a great time, and so will you if you organise your hen weekend in Spain with Aunty. But the great time won’t leave you heading for the divorce courts before you’ve even tied the knot. It’s fun with Aunty, but it’s not out of control. Well unless you want it to be, girls.

Stag or hen weekend in Spain? Trust Aunty to take care of it. And if you want a joint stag and hen weekend, then OK, it’s yours!

Four reasons why you should let your bird go on a Costa Brava Hen Weekend

Look lads, she’s agreed to marry you, so be grateful. Now she wants to go away with the girls to make the most of her last days of freedom. OK some destinations could be a bit dodgy; Las Vegas for example, I mean she might come back having married someone else.

So send her to me. A Costa Brava hen weekend is just what she needs. Laid back; nice views; bit of spa stuff; shopping; posh nosh. OK she’ll come back with a few more pairs of shoes and maybe a slight dent in your credit card, but hey ho, it’s nothing compared to some hen weekends you’ve read about in the Daily Star, is it?

So why send your bird on a Costa Brava hen weekend? Here’s Aunty’s four top reasons:

1. Because if she goes to Playa D’Aro she’ll have a ball in classy clubs that don’t attract any riff-raff. So you know she’ll just be having a posh time with the girls.

2. Because if she stays in Lloret de Mar she’ll be able to indulge in all sorts, from designer shopping to culture vulture tourist experiences. So she won’t have time for any funny business.

3. Because if Tossa de Mar is her destination of choice, she’ll be amongst some of the very best restaurants on the Costa Brava and won’t know which cosy live-music bar to snuggle into first. With the girls, that is.

4. Because if Barcelona is where she’s off to, she’ll come back laden with gifts. One of them may be for you, if you’re lucky. But if not, she’ll be a happy girl none the less.

Pay for her hen weekend; you might as well. She’ll love you for it!

Upmarket Weekends for High-class Hens

Planning your hen weekend in Spain? How does a short flight to a lush destination sound? You’ll still have the sun, but the fun will fall into the classy category and the scenery will be lush rather than desert-like, with pine carpeted mountains tumbling into rich, cobalt waters that sparkle in the sunshine. Just imagine: your Spain hen weekend with a difference on the Costa Brava.

If you’re the kind of girl who likes to spend quality time with your friends then you’re probably also the kind of girl who demands quality in everything else: especially on your hen weekend! If so, read on for Aunty Andrea’s top picks for the best refined and relaxing hen activities.

Hens on Horseback

Imagine cantering through peaceful, unspoilt forest; relax as your steed sweeps into the cooling shade amidst stately trees, where twilling birdsong is the only thing you’ll hear over the contented braying of your mount. Whether you’re an experienced rider or totally new to this wonderful experience, you and the girls will be in your element on this upmarket Costa Brava hen activity.

Cave Swimming Quest

Glass-like clear waters beckon as you dive off Aunty’s boat and follow a captivating torch lit passage into the enchantment of a real life smuggler’s cave which just decades ago was a hive of contraband activity. Exciting, enthralling and something totally different to anything you’ve done or will ever do anywhere else, Aunty’s cave swimming adventure will have you talking for months afterwards about the fascinating atmosphere and amazing sights you witnessed as you swam through this Costa Brava cave.

Scuba Diving Dream

There is a whole living empire of dramatically coloured fish and captivating sea life below the sublime waters of the Costa Brava, a place well recognised amongst seasoned scuba divers. If getting beneath the surface and taking in the breathtaking beauty that surrounds you is something that gives you goose bumps, ask Aunty about her special all inclusive hen scuba diving activity which has been especially designed for those of you who have always wanted to give this a go, but never took the leap.

Hot Air Ballooning

It’s up, up and away on this spectacular Costa Brava hen weekend activity to witness the truly stunning scenery of northeast Spain. If you’ve never been in a hot air balloon before you will literally be blown away by the experience; when do you ever get to witness a bird’s eye view like this with nothing but warm air between you and the view? As warming thermal currents caress your face, you’ll sweep gently over luscious tree tops and rugged mountains; watching the waves lap at hidden beaches you’d never have known were there and witnessing wild animals dart from forest thickets. And all of this followed by one of Aunty’s divine champagne breakfasts: what could possibly be better for your Spain hen weekend?

How about these upmarket Spain hen activities ladies: high class enough for you? Combine them with posh nosh and a heavenly hotel, all organised by Aunty of course, and you’ll be in hen weekend paradise: just where you deserve to be!

POSH NOSH, FANCY FROCKS AND PAMPERING HEN WEEKENDS ON THE COSTA BRAVA

Are you a stylish kind of girl who simply adores designer labels and spa treatments galore? Then your hen weekend in Barcelona awaits: and it’s set to be a super posh time!

Aunty Andrea also loves the finer things in life: shopping for handbags and shoes is one of them (much to her husband’s dismay) and being pampered in the best health spas Spain has to offer is another. Fancy a bit of this yourself? Then allow Aunty to make a few suggestions for destinations and venues that are a mere hour or so away from the UK…

Designer Dreams!

If you’re a hen that desires quality and designer labels then a Barcelona hen weekend is what you need. Barcelona is the ideal place to splash cash says Aunty; slip on your Jimmy Choos and head to the Roca Centre Village to add to your already exclusive collection. Whatever labels you are looking for, you will find them here; from Levis and Hugo Boss to La Perla, Burberry and Diesel. La Roca is possibly the chicest and hippest place to be! Check out this link for more details: http://www.larocavillage.com/

 

Posh Nosh!

All that shopping can give a girl an appetite; time to refuel! And at La Roca, that’s really a walk in the park. Why not visit Café & Té, a delightfully traditional café where you can be tempted by custom made coffees and teas, together with sweet and sticky cakes, pastries, pancakes or one of the many indulgent ice creams available for that much needed sugar rush: it’s only what you deserve ladies!

If you’re craving a savoury snack then Andreu espai Gastronỏmic will present you with the ultimate Spanish deli experience. With their wide variety of delicious cheeses, additive-free hams, fresh salads and energy inducing pasta, you can be sure to tantalise your taste buds and indulge your need for a decent feed!

Looking for something more substantial? If you’re a lady of luxury then Sant Pau is the one place you have got to visit says Aunty. With no less than three Michelin stars and an exquisite reputation, you can be sure to have a dining experience to remember! This sumptuous Catalan restaurant specialises in mouth watering fish and seafood, all fresh and totally local. Read more!

Pampering Heaven

After a busy day shopping, what better than to rest your pretty toes at an authentic Spanish Beauty Spa? Revitalise whilst receiving a five star facial and deep cleansing experience. Enjoy treatments that use all the finer things in life such as chocolate, caviar and even wine: yum!

Whether you’re looking for Reiki, shiatsu massage, Roman Baths or a Dead Sea Mud Therapy treatment, Aunty Andrea will find the Spa for you. It really is all covered ladies, just ask!

For more information on a pampering hen weekend in Spain ask Aunty Andrea to make your hen parties in Spain as luxurious as you desire!

AWESOME ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR BARCELONA HEN WEEKENDS

Are you a sporty hen? Do you find it hard to sit still for more than five minutes? Then hop on a plane to the north east of Spain for your Costa Brava hen weekend!

Aunty Andrea loves a good shindig, but she also loves a good rough and tumble too (according to local reports). So here’s a run down of Aunty’s hottest Spain hen weekend activities:

Adrenaline Junkie Dream!

For all you hens who are looking for thrills and spills, a hen activity weekend in Spain has got to be right up your street. If going commando is your thing (not that sort of commando girls, come on- as if Aunty would suggest such a thing), grab a gun, join your comrades and prepare to annihilate your enemy. Aunty recommends Tossa De Mar as the best paint ball heaven on the Costa Brava.

Attention all Water Hens...

In fact, in Tossa de Mar there are many hen weekend adventures to be had. If you’re a water babe then power boating will definitely blow your mind! Hold on tight as the RIB skirts over the Med at full throttle and lands you at your smuggler’s cove destination ready for fun and frolicking in the crystal clear waters and a spot of tranquil cave swimming.

More of a hands-on hen? Then try a spot of Kayaking; after a session on how to control your kayak you’re off on your own, making waves and maybe the occasional splashes!

Live Life in the Fast Lane?

Prefer to keep your feet on terra firma? Aunty has got just the thing for hens that love motors! Ever tried quad biking? Live life on the edge – literally - quad biking your way around the jaw dropping, stunning ledges of the Cadiretes Mountains. Maybe you’re a competitive driver and love the thrill of a race? Then get ready to go rally driving! Imagine the Formula One theme ringing in your ears whilst speeding around the track at 100km per hour in a 270cc Super Honda Kart! But don’t worry, you have 12 laps to catch up your mates to secure first place.

There are many more activities to enjoy on your hen parties in Spain, like archery, banana boat, 4x4 safari, treasure hunts and lots and lots more! Why not pay Aunty Andrea a visit and check out what else is on offer? Visit http://www.auntyandreasstags.com/ for more fun filled Costa Brava hen weekend adventures.

How to have a Blast on your Costa Brava Hen Weekend

Looking for the mother of all hen parties? Then a Costa Brava hen weekend is what you need. A short flight on a low cost airline to north east Spain will have you and the girls there in no time; and we all know what minimum travelling time means…maximum enjoyment time!

Here’s Aunty’s top weekly picks for a hen party on the Costa Brava that you and your mates will never forget, whether you want wet and wild, culture and credit card battering or pampering and a bit of posh.

Wild Parties and Never Ending Nights!

Got a thing for wild parties and never ending nights? Then head for party capital Lloret De Mar. Everyone’s heard of Lloret, right? With such an infamous reputation, you are guaranteed a night or three to remember (well, hopefully you’ll remember them!). But often overlooked and a place Aunty always recommends for fun, fun, fun is Playa D’Aro: seriously chic by day with plenty of retail therapy opportunities, you’re guaranteed to love it. And as for after dark, whether you’re in Lloret or Playa D’Aro, you can express yourself to the full; party as hard as you like, for as long as you like and as outrageously as you like and – no one – guaranteed no one – will bat so much as a false eyelash!

Cultured Chick?

Want a bit of sightseeing edged with designer shopping? Then go for a Barcelona hen weekend! Do the tour, on a bicycle if floats your boat; take in the Unfinished Church, Las Ramblas, the Old Town and whatever else catches your eye, and then stop off for a lovely, long and liquid lunch before heading off to shopping heaven and all those designer labels!

Relaxation and Pampering your Preference?

Life hectic? Why not use your hen weekend in Spain to wind down and capture some quality time with the girls? How about a spa day – imagine yourself covered in chocolate – or algae – or whatever latest treatments have hit the headlines. Sip champagne; be massaged; have everything plucked, painted and perfected and then head off for the evening to a swish restaurant and enjoy being waited on with the best wine and food your money can buy. Tossa de Mar is a good base for this type of hen weekend; with it’s stunning scenic backdrop; cobbled streets packed with divine restaurants serving the finest gourmet dishes (look out for the Michelin rated diner’s heaven in the shadow of the old town) and good transport links, it guarantees a relaxing hen weekend on the Costa Brava: with a difference.

These are just a few of Aunty’s favourite Spain hen weekend ideas and some of the most regularly requested by her discerning clientele: there are plenty more where they came from so make sure you subscribe to this blog to keep up with Aunty’s antics! Or check out www.auntyandreasstags.com for loads more ideas!