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.

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!

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!