We’ve
recently come back from five days in Madrid, where we stayed with my auntie and
uncle. The reason for our holiday – to celebrate their 40th wedding
anniversary. We ate at La Figal de Pablo, a restaurant we often eat at when
staying with them. In fact, we’ve been there for both lunch and dinner – and it’s
consistently good.
Of
course, we were the first to arrive, so began the evening at the bar, while
waiting for the rest of our party to arrive. I enjoyed a tinto de verano and the bar staff brought out a couple of tapas. I
didn’t try the cubes of fried potato, but the chicken wings were delicious, if
a little on the spicy side. Once everyone had joined us, mingled and got a
drink, we made our way to the dining room.
When
the booking (for 15) was made, my auntie was given a number of set menus to
choose from and I got a sneak peek, as mum took a photo of it to show me (she
knows what I’m like!). I even translated (in some cases, badly) it for Ash, so
he (sort of) knew what to expect. We had the dining room to ourselves, which
was perfect for a special occasion and a large number.
Before
the starters, we shared two appetisers: a prawn wrapped in strings of potato
(almost like filo pastry) and a green spinach ‘samosa’, filled with prawn. Both
tasted good, but the parcel was Asian-inspired and reminded me of dim sum.
A
selection of starters followed – and they were for the table (a compartir). The gambas a la plancha (grilled prawns) are always a favourite of
mine, although this time, I was designated peeler! Unfortunately, sucking the
brains is a family tradition I simply cannot get on board with! The jamón y lomo ibérico (ham and Iberian pork
loin) was equally as good and a must-have when in Spain... even Alfie enjoyed
the cured ham! We also shared duck liver pâté, with fruit crackers and compote,
which was divine; while the warm salad with partridge wasn’t to my taste as
much. The game was beautiful, though.
With
so many starters, I’d almost forgotten about the main course. There were three
to choose from: two meat and one fish. I went fish and was served a hake fillet
stuffed with seafood and sauce américaine. The fish was beautifully cooked and
so light; the stuffing sufficient and the langoustine on top, succulent. The
sauce complemented it well, but was a little heavy for me – and there was a lot
of it! I did manage to eat two-thirds, but had to admit defeat.
Ash chose the
confit of crispy duck, which he enjoyed, but said to some, it may have been too
rare. To me, it looked fine and I have to admit, I did get a little food envy
(especially as we never have duck at home). His meal was served with mashed
potato and an apple & sherry compote. Completing the trio was steak in
truffle sauce with chips – which mum ordered!
No
matter how full I am, there’s always room for dessert and this was incredibly
delicious – even though I’m still not 100% sure of all the ingredients. We had
a brioche French toast, which had hints of coconut and a milky, sticky sauce.
Despite not knowing, I could have eaten multiple portions as well as the whole
tub of yogurt ice cream that accompanied it... it was so fresh!
La
Figal is a lovely place for a family meal, regardless of if it’s an occasion.
The service was second-to-none and we were well looked after from our arrival,
until the end. Nothing was too much trouble and glasses were never empty – not just
those that were drinking the bottles of wine. When my tinto de verano was finished, the waiter simply said “un otro” and brought me another! I know
that next time we are in SanSe, we’ll be back but for now, muchas gracias.
Love,
Lucy xx
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Love, Lucy xx