The body of a missing Benidorm fisherman was found on Friday by a local man off the coast of Ibiza. Alicante resident Jesus Martinez (40) went missing on February 20th after a sea swell washed him overboard whilst on a regular fishing trip. The incident happened in the area known as Punta del Cavall of the coast of Benidorm.
Authorites were quickly informed and a search carried out in the area, which was later extended along the coast from Sant Pola to Denia. However after several hours searching there was little hope of finding the missing fisherman alive. The victim when found had no identification , but clothing appeared to be that of the missing fisherman. The Guardia Civil confirmed on Friday that the body found in Ibiza was that of Jesus Martinez.
March 7th, 2010
Cast your minds back 20 years, to the new craze that was sweeping Britain and holiday destinations like Benidorm, dining out! Going along to the local for a beer to discover that food was now being offered in Benidorm bars and at your local. Chicken and chips, scampi, fisherman’s platter, served in a basket with chips. I remember chewing on paper serviette which had stuck to my chips in the bottom of the plastic basket, mmmmmm! This was the start of a new dining revolution, called eating out.
Over the years trends have certainly moved on very quickly and no more so than in the many Benidorm restaurants and pubs. Along came the Levante steakhouses, which at the time was like haute cuisine. Back in the UK used to look forward to popping down to the local beefeater inn, on a Sunday evening, for deep fried mushrooms with garlic dip, then a rump steak, with peppercorn sauce, with 1 peppercorn in it, which, incidentally had been made in a factory unit down the road, and supplied in individual bags, which could be warmed in hot water. This was garnished with half an over grilled tomato and watercress that had wilted on the warm plate. Oh, don’t forget the tinned mushrooms too.
Then the pizza and pasta revolution came in along with KFC, and the burger chains which sprang up all over Benidorm to feed the 4 million plus tourists who visit our resort every year. Some people love it, but, I am certainly not sure. I find most of these retail offerings are not particularly good to eat, and the temperature of the food, certainly could, and no doubt, should be hotter! My favourite trend then came in. Chinese and Indian restaurants and the take away were appearing on the high street and across Benidorm too! What a fantastic concept it was. Out for a good booze up at Café Benidorm then stop off for special fried rice or a Kebab on the way back to the hotel!
My career was certainly changing with these trends too. Even people coming to restaurants wanted food with the ethnic influences. When I moved to the Millennium Stadium as the Executive Chef, retail food was certainly looking for the ethnic and middle eastern touch, as opposed to the Pie, pasty and sausage roll diet, the punters had been used too – especially in Holiday hot spots like Benidorm. One thing I had to realise was that, whatever we did, it had to be available to 74,000 people, during a 15 minute window at half time. The idea we came up with was, wait for it, a Chicken Balti Pie!
Now, I am living here in Benidorm, Spain, and with all the experience of the last 20 years behind me, it’s back to creating dishes with a twist. To me, it’s very important to take a quality ingredient, be it a Tuna steak, breast of chicken or a fillet steak, cook it as quickly and as simply as possible, well seasoned, then plate with some nice quirky leaves or shoots for garnish. What we are using at the moment at Esteban´s restaurant are continental leaves like Rocket, Frissee, Oak Leaf and Lollo Rosso. These are readily available at the Benidorm markets and supermarkets, and are a step up from the iceberg lettuce, tomato wedge and lemon wedge, which used to be the standard garnish for everything. They are a so much fresher taste to the bog standard lettuce, and certainly enhance the appearance and taste of any dish. We are also using fresh herb oils, balsamic syrup and different shoots, like pea shoots, alfalfa sprouts, baby basil sprigs and garlic sprouts giving our dishes that special unique Esteban´s touch! Certainly different to the chopped curly parsley of the old days! All these ingredients are great to use and readily available to the professional chef in Benidorm and house cook too. Try a few of the above leaves and dressings with supper tonight, you’ll be pleasantly surprised how fresh and zingy everything becomes.
Next time you do a salad for dinner, put a simple dressing over it before you serve. It will certainly lift the salad. Dressings are so easy to make. Take an empty washed out Jam jar. Squirt some honey in, a teaspoon of grain mustard, squeeze of lemon, salt and pepper, then some extra virgin olive oil. Put the lid on, shake really well, pour over the salad, toss, then serve. Any dressing can be kept in the jar, in the fridge. When it’s finished, wash the jar and keep for the next dressing.
So there you have it a little history of dining trends and how thing have changed over the past 20 years or so both back home and in Benidorm. It has taken a little longer for fresh ideas to reach the kitchens of Benidorm pubs, cafe´s and restaurants, but if you ask around great food is out there in holiday Benidorm. Seek and you shall find and enjoy good food.
Author – Steve Jones – Creative Chef – Estebans Restaurant Benidorm
To book a table at Estebans in Benidorm and to see this seasons menu please visit their website at www.realbenidorm.net/estebans
March 3rd, 2010
There is French Air Traffic industrial action planned from 5am on February 23rd through to 7am on February 27th. There may be delays to flights that fly over France which include Alicante airport routes and most Spanish airports along the Costas.
There may also be delays to Alicante from some Northern UK and Scotland airports as heavy snow is expected today. Snow clearance and fog at Leeds Bradford airport this morning may also cause some departure delays.
Customers should allow sufficient extra time to get to airports to check in on-time as not all flights will be delayed by this industrial action by French air traffic controllers. Some airlines may change routes to avoid flying over France so it is important to arrive as scheduled for flights from Spanish airports.
Check with your regional departure airport for up to date information or your regional airport in Spain for expected or confirmed delays. Links to latest updates news for delays to arrivals and departures from all airports in Spain can be found if you click here.
February 24th, 2010
The Don Juan Boutique Hostal in Benidorm celebrated 10 great years on February 20th with a Champagne party for friends and regulars in the central old town venue. The gem that is the Don Juan offers what is without any doubt the smartest accommodation and quality service in Benidorm old town. An ideal location for those who want to be in the center of Benidorm and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this lively and bustling part of the Spanish resort. Only seconds from the many gay bars found in this part of town the don Juan is very much THE place to stay for those looking for a gay friendly welcome.
Philip Garnett the larger than life owner of the Don Juan can be proud indeed that the business has gone from strength to strength over the past 10 years. His dedication to customer service and dedication to his team, of staff are the two top reasons why the Don Juan has remained on the ” top list ” of unique small accommodation venues in Benidorm. This together with regular refurbishment schedules and what are without doubt the cleanest rooms in town, will ensure that this favourite little Costa Blanca Spanish Boutique Hostal enjoys another successful 10 years.
We are reliable informed that despite difficult trading conditions in Benidorm for most small businesses, the Don Juan has excellent advanced bookings for the 2010 season. With this in mind we should remind future guests that they should book as early as possible to secure a reservation. There are just 8 rooms available of which only 2 are singles. Guests will find that each room is unique in design and offers a calming and relaxed space to rest on your next Benidorm holiday or weekend break in Spain. All rooms come with air-conditioning, a mini-fridge and flat screen TV as standard and of course en-suite Shower with WC plus a top daily maid service.
Casa Don Juan – Santa Faz 28, 03501, Benidorm, Spain – Tel +34 966 809 165
Secure a room at the Don Juan today with just a 10% deposit. Book online here
For more information about Benidorm Hotels and Holidays visit the Real Benidorm Hotel Guide
February 22nd, 2010
This weeks focus is on the Castilla Hotel in Benidorm, offering a perfect Hotel for a cheap holiday in Spain. Located in the heart of the Levante Playa in Benidorm, the number one resort for a cheap Spain holiday. A 4 star hotel, part of the very popular Servi Group who know how to produce great service and quality food at affordable prices. British visitors to Benidorm know the Castilla well as it has been a firm favourite with them for many years. Even more so today since the refurbishment in 2007.
A great location for a lively adult holiday yet far enough way from the all night bars to offer some quiet time and a relaxing day around the pool, which has a large sun terrace. Facilities at the Castilla include a lounge bar, pool bar and evening entertainment. Plus of course a fitness center with Gym and Sauna.
Dining is buffet style and the restaurant serves a good selction of international dishes with Spanish favourites and show cooking nights. Reviews for the cuisine tend to be very good, especially from British guests, who seem to praise the choice on offer.
All guest rooms offer a balcony, most overlooking the pool and are well appointed as you would expect from a 4 star hotel. Facilities include a full bathroom, telephone, TV, room safe and mini bar on request. Previous guests often comment on the cleanliness of the rooms and the good daily maid service.
The Castilla really is above average for a Spanish tourist hotel and is deserving of the 4 star rating. Staff are very friendly and well trained making this an easy choice to recommend. With flights to Alicante still at really competitive fares and the room rates here also excellent, this is ideal for a cheap weekend or cheap Summer holiday in Spain.
Check availability & prices now
February 19th, 2010
As Benidorm and most of the Spanish Costas saw a huge drop in visitor numbers in 2009 expectations for 2010 looked bleak for local Benidorm Hoteliers and hard hit small businesses, who feed the tourist industry in the resort. However, a surge in bookings during January have all but put this worry to bed. Local Hotel owners have succeeded where many other resorts have failed, mainly due to their early and timely price reductions, which once again put Benidorm at the top of the best value destinations in Spain. Benidorm offers both cheap holidays and high end holidays that are cheaper! Indeed comparing room rates with those of two years ago a huge number of Hotels and Self Catering Apartments in Benidorm are cheaper now than back in 2008.
Bookings for Valentines weekend were reported to be 55% up on last year, according to Travel Republic and even more amazing Benidorm is above destinations like Paris and Rome in the romantic booking stakes. A sure sign that those who are booking, are making ” affordable ” and ” value ” top of their list of requirements. There is also a sign that higher end toursits who previously gave Benidorm a wide birth are now looking at the resort with fresh eyes. Yes, Benidorm really does cater for everyone from budget self catering to those who prefer a bit of luxury, but at simply very affordable prices. In years to come Benidorm is set to have a changed image of quality and top services for even the most demanding of visitors. This is already true today, it is just getting the message across that will take time.
With massive investment in the Spanish resort over the past three years from both the Benidorm Council and local hoteliers, those lookers who have not visited Benidorm previously will be in for a great holiday experience if they turn into Booker’s. Facilities and services are much improved and continue to improve. This makes the Costa Blanca resort see the beginning of the end of the idea that many saw Benidorm as a cheap and tacky destination.
Yes, Benidorm does cater for bargain hunters and the Levante Playa resort will always be the place for sun, sea and cheaper holidays. However, Benidorm is a city of two halves and the old quarter, Poniente Playa and Cala Finestrat already cater for those with higher expectations and bigger budgets. Many newcomers are not aware that Benidorm offers high end luxury accommodation and exceptional facilities as expected of the more demanding of tourist. There are now three 5 star hotels. A huge and stunning resort complex set in over 370,000m2 of tropical gardens with lagoon pools, the Barcelo Asia Gardens and a brand new exclusive Boutique Hotel, the Villa Veneciaset on the headland in the old quarter overlooking the Mediterranean with just 26 luxurious rooms. Set in superb grounds you will also find the Gran Hotel Villaitana a luxury Golf and Wellness village style resort. With new investment in 4 star hotels such as the new Monaco Spa Hotelfrom the Sandos Group, Benidorm is in for a great 2010 and very bright future, as more people discover the hidden gem that is the Costa Blanca, the gateway to the historic Land of Valencia.
Are you one of those who are looking but not sure if you should book? Go ahead, grab a cheap flight to Alicante and book a 4 star hotel or splash out and treat yourself to a few nights in a 5 star. For a first visit to Benidorm perhaps stay in one of the old town hotels where you will get a real taste of Spain and can enjoy the very best of Spanish food and local Wines in the many restaurantsin the old quarter. Best time to try Benidorm for a long weekend is from March to June when the weather is warm, the sun is out and there is plenty of room on the 4kms of sandy beaches. The most misunderstood Costa Blanca resort will welcome you and if like the many regulars of which there are millions! You too may find that there simply is nowhere else that feels like and becomes home, again and again.
With over 250 Hotels and self catering apartment complexes whatever your budget, whatever your perfect holiday is , Benidorm will have something for you and at a price that will leave you smiling.
Check live availability and room rates for all Benidorm accommodation, grab a last minute cheap flight and grab a hire car from Alicante airport from everyone´s favourite independent guide to Benidorm. www.realbenidorm.net
About The Author
February 11th, 2010
Jo Caress of Costa Blanca Lawyers Talks Spanish Wills for Costa Blanca ex-pats. Death without one can be a real mess!
” It’s always worrying about the number of people who live on the Costa Blanca and Benidorm who don’t have Spanish Wills.
We are constantly amazed at the information they have heard about inheritance in Spain.
To be quite candid it’s not an easy subject to make a general sweeping statement as every persons situation is different in Spain.
Yet what people fail to understand is that without a Will there will be bureaucracy and cost associated with getting Probate in Spain. Not only that but in certain circumstances probate may not be possible at all. A worry for anyone with property and assets on the Costa Blanca
Not only that but it may well be that the rightful inheritors in law who receive your estate are not those you would have wished.
Everyday we are dealing with problems where Wills have been done without any thought to the consequences of that Will leaving large Inheritance Tax Bills.
None of this is necessary for the sake of a bit of thought and consideration of your own circumstances.
One salient point is that there are advantages in inheritance tax relief for those fiscally resident in the Valencia Region. However, the problem is that many believe that because they have a registration certificate that that is sufficient to deem them a resident. Unfortunately, this is not the case. To qualify as a resident you must have been in employment or self employed or if you are retired have completed a resident tax return.
Unfortunately, many pay their taxes in the UK and complete a non resident tax declaration but in all honest live in Spain. Basically you cannot have it both ways.
All this needs to be considered when looking to making a Will and who you will leave your assets to.
It is not uncommon for couples to be in a second relationship with children from an earlier one. Consideration of this and whether or not you wish those children to inherit and how must also be given. Again there are inheritance tax implications.
Getting the right advice is vital otherwise you may find it costs your loved ones thousands. “
To talk Wills call Costa Blanca Lawyers and arrange a free consultation to see how they can help you today. Tel 966 998 713 or visit their website at www.costablancalawyers.com
February 11th, 2010
Steve Jones owner and creative Chef at Esteban´s Restaurant in Benidorm old town, talks of the delights of Winter Comfort food. And offers readers an insight into preparing this seasons customers choice from Esteban´s new menu.
“ As TV chefs become more famous and cookery programmes more popular, comfort food and “old school” become phrases well used by the likes of Gordon Ramsey & Gary Rhodes. So what is comfort food? Well, comfort food to me takes me back to the long, cold winter nights in the UK, stuck in a traffic jam, on the way home from work, fantasising about what I would love to eat. Sausage & mash, stew & dumplings, curry & rice, mmmmmmm!
So, during the surprisingly cool winter months here in Benidorm, I try to bring a little “comfort food” to the menu at Esteban’s, restaurant – but with a twist! One of the dishes we are currently running with at the restaurant is Lamb & Root Vegetable Crumble, which sounds straight forward enough, but is a surprisingly complex dish. What I love to do is take old traditional recipes, strip them down into ingredients, then put them back together using slightly different ingredients, cooking techniques & presentation. This particular dish has been taken from the Traditional Lamb Hotpot, from turn of the century Northern England.
As a Welshman, lamb has always been my most popular meat to both eat and cook with, when I moved to Benidorm to set up my own restaurant, it was hard to find good Lamb. Spain certainly isn´t as green as the valleys of Wales, and, it doesn’t rain every day like it does there! The lamb here is certainly much smaller and more fatty, so New Zealand or imported is more widely used by the restaurants of Benidorm. Also the cost element comes into the equation too, so I tend to go for the lesser cuts and work on them a little more.
Here is how you can prepare this delicious comfort dish, for foodies, yourself: For the Esteban´s new lamb dish, use shoulder of lamb, which is readily available from local Benidorm butchers. I buy the whole shoulder and trim back quite a lot of the surface fat, then marinate it in local Jalon Valley Vino Tinto, with fresh garlic & rosemary for at least 24 hours. Then, take it from the marinade, dry and brown in a really hot pan until nice and brown. Slightly different to the Traditional lamb hotpot recipe. The shoulder should then be braised in the marinade for 5 hours in a really low oven, this cooks the meat really slowly and renders any fat away, leaving simply delicious and tender Lamb. It also gives you a chance to go and have a siesta!
Once the meat is cook, take it from the cooking liquid, and strip the meat from the bone while it is still hot. This allows it to be stripped really easily. The meat is now beautifully tender and flavoured with the wonderful local wine, rosemary & garlic. Leaving the Lamb to cool, the liquid should then be boiled rapidly until it has reduced, this concentrates the flavour.
Then take local seasonal root vegetables such as carrot, swede, turnip & parsnip, straight from the local market, peel and dice them, then blanch them in salted water, until half cooked. Drain thoroughly then roast in a hot oven with black pepper and organic honey until nicely browned and slightly caramelised. While the vegetables are roasting and the lamb cooling, along with the marinade reducing, I TOLD YOU IT WAS COMPLEX, make a simple mashed potato, add a little cream & butter, then some chopped spring onions, for some crunch.
To assemble the dish. Take a nice oven proof dish, pipe the mash in the bottom, then arrange the roasted vegetables over the mash and season to your taste with cracked black Pepper and Sea salt. Arrange the ripped lamb over the top then ladle over some of the now full flavoured and thickened reduced marinade. To finish add some dried bread which has been roughly tumbled in a food processor, with olive oil, salt n pepper and mixed herbs. The secret here is to leave some lumps in the bread and not blend them too fine crumbs. Scatter over the finished dish, then return to the oven for 20 minute to toast and crisp the crumble top. Take to the table and serve or as we do in the restaurant serve in individual dishes. The good thing about this dish is it’s an all in one type dish with the meat, vegetable and potatoes together. This is great served with some steamed savoy cabbage with bacon or some wilted spinach. The perfect Benidorm comfort food available this season at Esteban´s restaurant, in the old town – our signature dish – Not so simple, simply Lovely Lamb with Root vegetable Crumble.
I hope you have a go at this because it is a dish that is easy to do once all the ingredients are ready. Great for a family meal or dinner party. A really good Local Rioja is perfect with this, best enjoyed with friends, good conversation and of course Al Fresco on a warm Spring evening in Benidorm. Enjoy.”
Estebans Restaurant is located in the old town of Benidorm just 2o meters from the Levante Beach. Offering a 3 course set menu at 13.95€ plus a´la carte specialities. Open from 7pm daily expect Sunday
Carrer De La Purissima 4, Old Town, Levante, Benidorm 03501
Reservations Telephone 965 853 883 Reserve by Text (Mobile) 615 453 866
Website www.realbenidorm.net/estebans
February 9th, 2010
Perfect Beach Holidays in Spain
Benidorm on the Costa Blanca in Spain, offers great value for self catering Holidays and is the most popular type of Holiday with British visitors who make up over 60% of all guests in self catering apartments in the Spanish resort. Not a surprise when you consider that apartments start from just 7€ per person per night. Being the largest purpose built tourist resort in Spain has an added bonus in that the choice is second to none, when it comes to budget self catering Holidays. Not that many actually do “self cater” or course, given the range of eating establishments, where you can dine for much less than it costs to buy from local supermarkets. You are on Holiday after all and who wants to cook!
With over 75 purpose built Holiday apartment blocks to choose from, ranging from No Frills Budget accommodation ideal for Lads Group Stag Weekends, to Quality brand new self catering apartments ideal for couples, young families and Girls Hen weekends (Yes the Ladies prefer something a bit more special than the Lads!) Benidorm does offers it all.
For the latest Benidorm self catering Holiday offers, departing from regional UK airports we suggest that you look at our recommended travel partners. They are one of the largest online travel sites in the UK for independent travel and are of course ABTA members and sell both ATOL protected holidays or cheap build your own Holidays too. With updates several times daily you will be sure to find some of the best deals available for last minute and late self catering deals to Benidorm.
For todays best prices including flights and accommodation check the latest offers at Alpharooms Please click here and grab a deal.
A typical No Frills choice where somewhere to lay your hat and value are top of the list take a look at the Aquarium II Apartments, located in the famous Rincon de Loix area of Benidorm. Don´t expect much, but hey they are cheap as Chips! For the more demanding guests probably the best self catering Holiday apartments are the 3 star Don Jorgewhich offer brand new high end accommodation (Think Ikea Style Furnishings) with washing machines, full kitchens, coffee makers and all mod cons plus 24 hour reception, so no running around collecting the keys. You can also go Half Board or All Inclusive here too!
Benidorm also offers a big choice for Families with young children who look for fantastic value self catering holidays in Spain. One of the favourite with British families are the Levante Club Apartments which are just 5 minutes from the beach. The accommodation is simple, clean and overall a good choice with everything you need for all ages right on the doorstep.
If you have got this far then you may require some more information about Benidorm. If so we suggest you take a look at the mini-guide to the resort which is a good place to start if you are a Benidorm first timer! There is a great video to watch so that you can get to know the area. All you need to know from everyone´s favourite Benidorm Holiday guide. Go to the Benidorm Resort Guide.
January 29th, 2010
You have booked the Hotel and now the difficult choice of which restaurant to book for that romantic meal for two. Benidorm is not always the first choice for fine dining, however tucked away in the old town there are four must visit quality restaurants. We have made the choice easy for you by selecting the best choice for your Valentines lunch or dinner, from the best known top British (and French) restaurants in Benidorm. All of offer superb set menus during the Valentine week and on February 14th – The Big Day! You can also book online, by telephone or by SMS text.
Book – Esteban’s Restaurant
Carrer De La Purissima 4, Old Town, Benidorm. Tel 965 853 883 Text 615 453 866
Located just 25 meters from the Levante beach you will discover Esteban´s. A cosy small restaurant offering the very best of local and International cuisine with many unusual and experimental dishes. Ideal for couples who enjoy fine dining at a price which leaves you feeling very satisfied. This year they are also celebrating their first very successful year with a Weekend Feast of 4 Courses with Wine from February 12th to the 14th at just 15.50€ per person. Their standard set menu comes in at an amazing 13.95€ A top choice. Book online and see a sample menu on their website plus Trip Advisor reviews.
Book – Michaels Restaurant
Calle La Biga 15, Old town, Benidorm. Tel 966 801 346 Text 676 216 168
Michael the larger than life owner of Michael´s Restaurant is one of the Costa Blanca´s most well known British restaurateurs. Located in the center of the old town you will discover a large, quality dining restaurant, famous for incredible value and a range of over 100 dishes to choose from. There is a big feast of 5 courses available for Valentines week at just 17.95€ per person. A popular choice with Benidorm regulars. The standard menu offers a great set “Menu del Dia” of three courses for just 10.95€, Michael´s is also well known for the Early Bird 7.95€ Menu, for those who like to dine early or enjoy a very late lunch! Book online by telephone or SMS Text.
Book – Paneils Restaurant
Calle de Palma 12, Old Town, Benidorm. Tel 965 850 585 Text 626 322 624
Just off the pedestrian street in the center of Benidorm old town shopping quarter, you will find Paneils Restaurant, which has been established for six years. Afirm favourite with with a good following from not just visitors but also local residents. Offering a smart restaurant with an “Art Deco” twist. During the Valentine´s week dine on a fine menu of 4 courses with Cava and Canapes for just 14.95€ per person. Paneils are also pleased to announce that they are now open 7 days a week. And for the Winter / Spring season are offering a Sunday Roast Lunch from 3pm. Well known for great hospitality and their popular “Curry Feasts” Book online, by telephone or by text.
Book – The Vagabond French Restaurant
Carrer De La Palma 17, Old Town, Benidorm. Tel or Text 636 146 985
Benidorm´s only authentic French restaurant established since 2007 and the chosen eatery for those in the know on the Costa Blanca. Owner and Chef Frederic has for many years operated restaurants in places as diverse as New York, Glasgow and of course France. Customers can enjoy great French cooking at it´s best from the set menu of three course for just 13.95€. Book early for Valentine´s Day in this small and cosy restaurant in Benidorm old town. Check out their website for a sample menu and latest customer reviews from Trip Advisor.
So there you have it the very best of fine dining in Benidorm, enjoy your Romantic meal for two and do remember to book early as all the above restaurants are popular and fill up quick especially on Valentine´s day. If you have still not booked a Hotel for the night check our recommended Romantic Spanish Hotels.
For more information about dining out in Benidorm to suit any pocket visit the Benidorm Restaurant Guide.
Why not write a Benidorm restaurant review in the comments section below and let your favourite restaurant know that you Love them as much as your significant other!
January 28th, 2010
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