Valencia, Spain
March 3, 2015
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| Eggplant perfection |
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| Salad with fresh boiled egg |
We did get up early with the intent of going to the market, but Cathy wasn't feeling well. We met with Vinny to see a Mascleta, but because of a time squeeze for him to get to work, it made more sense for us to get to a restaurant for lunch than to be in the crowds at the Plaza de Valencia.
We opted to eat right by the hotel Adhoc Monumental. It would allow Vinny a quick get-a-way since he had to work at the Airport that afternoon. The restaurant Sapori Di Casa, an Italian restaurant just downstairs from Valencia Mindfulness Retreat, that served us jamon and cheese encased between the two slices of aubergine. Vinny's mixed Salad was really beautiful with fresh tuna and a splash of vegetable and colors mixed in. We also had a side of bread. Then for our main courses we each chose one of their 3 main course options; Chicken and Rice with vegetables, Rigatoni and Mushrooms in a cream sauce, Spaghetti with Tuna. We were perfectly happy with our choices, except that there may have been too much for us to finish. Dessert was a molten chocolate volcano, with a rush of hot liquid chocolate that oozed out of the center. Also on the menu was a lighter desert, Tiramisu. The lunch special for 9.90 Euro included a choice of appetizer, main course, desert, wine or coffee. We really enjoyed the owners who were from Brazil and Italy. They were very hospitable and were just starting out with the restaurant. Best of Luck!
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| Tyris Factory Bar and Taps |
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| Tyris Cerversa Artesana Factory |
After lunch we said our goodbyes to Vinny walking him to his car and then continued to stroll around the city. We admired the recently restored Towers that were the entrance to the city that are from the 12th Century, when the entire city of Valencia was enclosed with fortified walls. We rested the afternoon until the early evening.
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| Down the side street to The Market |
I ventured out alone for a while on a quest for gingerale and some mineral water and found artisan beer too! Cervesa Artesana Tyris De Valencia has several outstanding beers that you can enjoy. It's located close to the Mercado Central and there is both the factory (tours are on Saturdays) and there is a bar located just a couple hundred feet away from the factory. The factory bar is modern and sleek, while their bar "The Market" just around the corner down the alley is hip and quaint. One of the owners Daniel was there and was excited about their prospects and said that Valencia is trying to bring artisan beers to the marketplace. Some can only be had in jugs, but there are several worth trying. Small glasses start at 2 Euro.
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| Inside Market Bar - just down the alley to the right. |
