Posts filed under 'Gay Benidorm'
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
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
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
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
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
This weeks focus is on the lovely Hotel Mar Blau in Benidorm old town. Regarded as one of the best 2 star Hotels in Benidorm. This according to previous guests who review the small sea front Hotel as either good or excellent in 97% of reviews. Located directly opposite Park Elx (Known locally as Dove Park) overlooking the Poniente Playa and the Harbour. This is an ideal location for those who prefer to stay well away from the Levante and Rincon de Loix area of Benidorm. Just 200 meters from the center of the old town where the best local Pubs and Spanish Tapas Bars are found along with great restaurants and of course cheap shopping.
The Mar Blau is a small (54 Rooms) friendly welll run Hotel with attentive Staff, many of whom have been employed at the Hotel for many years. Rooms are modest as one would expect from a 2 star Hotel, but the service, location and rather good food are what sets this Hotel above the rest in the budget category of value Hotels in Benidorm.
Guests should expect typical Spanish style accommodation and public areas. Dine on local cuisine with plenty of fresh salads, fish and authentic Spanish dishes in the restaurant which overlooks the beach. What not to expect here is British style dining, which is a good thing depending on your tastes and willingness to experiment when in Spain.
What is in no doubt is the return rate of previous guests of which there are many! Of course this is not a luxury Hotel but in these times when everyone is feeling the pinch the Mar Blau represents very good value for money in a really great location by the sea. Stay for 7 nights from just 179€ Half Board in May in a Sea View room and this for a beach front Hotel! TO TIP Book early for a sea view room as there only 24 available, always full high season.
Hotel details reviews and Check Availabilty Book Here
January 17th, 2010
Spain has some of the most liberal laws for gay visitors with equal rights and public tolerance making the Iberian peninsula the ideal gay holiday destination. Sitges, Barcelona and the Canary Islands have long been favourites of European gay visitors for many years but for mature and retired gay visitors Benidorm on the Costa Blanca offers a unique and buzzing resort for a pink vacation.
For those who enjoy a low key friendly holiday, where everything is within easy reach and where value is important Benidorm really does offer it all. With a very long established scene of some twenty plus small cosy bars all within a few minutes walk of each other in the center of the old town, Benidorm is a perfect destination for older gay and lesbian travellers. And for those on a pension you really will get more bang for your Euro!
Flights from major European cities will get you to Benidorm in under three hours and cost much less than the major popular Spanish gay resorts. With over 250 hotels Benidorm guarantees accommodation to suit every budget with room rates from just 20 Euro per night in a traditional 2 star gay friendly Spanish hotel seconds from the gay bars in the old town.
Benidorm has a long tradition of attracting the mature generation and ” gay grey tourist ” who prefer a social scene without the loud discos. Indeed Benidorm is one of the few gay holiday destinations in Spain where everyone of all ages is welcomed and mix well together in all the bars. It has to be said that Benidorm has the friendliest little gay village where many come once and return often. As many as 40% of older gay visitors have been regulars several times a year since the late 1970´s .
Local gay owned businesses aware that there is a market for older gay singles and couples have risen to challenge and provide some of the best reviewed mature bars in europe. Bars such as Ingognito and JJ´s which are buzzing every weekend with the older generation and those who enjoy their company.
The best time of year to visit Benidorm as a gay holiday destination is from March until the end of June and from mid September until December. Peak season is from September to November when room rates and flights to Alicante also happen to offer the best value.
So, if you are a mature gay tourist looking for a different holiday in Spain, where you will be welcomed in a safe and cosy environment, take a look at Benidorm the perfect grey gay holiday in Spain. For more information on bars, hotels and a complete gay guide go to Benidorm, Spain Gay Holidays Guide
January 12th, 2010
