Live on SkyBlueMallorca.com

Dinner for two...

2011-05-23T02:20:00.000-07:00

Dinner for two....

at Wasabi Express.

Not so long ago I profiled Wasabi Express for SkyBlue Mallorca, and on Friday evening I enjoyed a great meal there with my husband.

If you know us as a couple, you will know that we are not really very 'fancy'. Don't get me wrong, I love dressing up, but if we are looking for a good meal on a Friday night, after a hard week's work, we would rather be dressed casually and go somewhere where we feel welcome and relaxed.
So, Wasabi Express, came to mind, as we quite fancied Sushi and the 'express' joint belonging to this group's new take away and delivery base, has four or five tables for people looking for a more relaxed version of their stylish restaurant a few streets away in Santa Catalina.

To start with we ordered Miso soup and chicken Gyozas. Both delicious - Miso soup has such a calming effect don't you think? And then we had a selection of sushi to share. We accompanied our meal with a glass of wine, and finished with a Chocolate Coulant - which was divine!

All in all I highly recommended it as a laid back option for Sushi lovers in Palma de Mallorca. We will certainly be back!

Happy Easter

2011-04-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

Easter is just around the corner so I thought I would tell you about an article I have written for SkyBlue Mallorca about Mallorca's Easter treats.

It is all about the famous empanadas, cocarrois and crespells that we eat here in Mallorca during Easter (pictured above).

Coffee and Cake at Cassai

2011-04-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

I secretly managed to get away this past weekend. My husband and I went to stay in a rustic but comfortable agroturismo in Ses Salines.

Whilst there we paid a visit to Cassai Gran Cafe and Restaurant.

Cassai was recommended by our hosts for dinner, but we actually didn't have our meal there. My hubby, being the footy freak that he is, wanted to watch the football in the afternoon and Cassai happened to be showing it.
Happily Cassai had something for us both: football on wide screens for him, good coffee, cakes and beautiful decor for her.

We were so comfortable that our afternoon 'tea' turned into pre dinner drinks, something we only ever treat ourselves to when we are on holiday. I had a suitably glamourous Kir Royale!

So if you are ever in the charming village of Ses Salines, do pop into Cassai. They do everything from coffee and cake, to full elegant dinners.

A business lunch at Misa

2011-03-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know I am a freelance writer and translator, and as such I have to do a lot of my own networking and marketing to get myself out there.

Just last week I went to a networking lunch at Marc Fosh's latest restaurant, Misa Braseria and Bar. I have just been editing the content for this restaurant on the SkyBlue Mallorca website so I thought I would give you my personal opinion and feedback.

Misa is based on the idea of a traditional French brasserie, which apparently mean an informal restaurant which has great levels of cuisine and service. - On that basis, Misa does not disappoint. The food was delicious and the service was flawless without being imposing or too overbearing. You feel comfortable and laid back and you feel you are treating yourself to a very special meal.

My favourite dish was the Pea and Lemongrass soup we had for starters. It was colourful and incredibly tasty. For seconds we had braised beef cheeks and for pudding a traditional chocolate marquise.

The Marc Fosh Restaurant group now has three restaurants in Palma: Misa, Simply Fosh and Tasca de Blanquerna.

Mallorca Food & Wine

2010-11-22T01:42:00.000-08:00

So I haven't updated this blog for quite some time. If you follow any of my online presence however you will know that I have been busy with my Translation Services.
I still contribute to Sky Blue Mallorca on a regular basis though, so it would really be a shame to let his blog go.
There is so much going in the world of food and wine in Majorca, it really is an interesting market and it is great to be a part of such a great resource as SkyBlue Mallorca.
So I have made a pledge with myself to check in with this blog as often as possible, so I can give you my personal view on Food and Wine and Restaurants, and, as ever, what is now on Mallorca's best Food and Wine Guide, SkyBlueMallorca.com.
In the meantime, have you read my article on Mahon Menorca Cheese?

New Mallorca Olive Oil

2010-04-20T05:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to attend a presentation lunch at Es 4 Vents Restaurant in Algaida Mallorca. A local olive oil producer, Joan Miralles, presented his extra virgin olive oil, TREURER.

We all enjoyed a fresh Mediterranean meal with generous helpings of the olive oil, after Joan had presented his product and guided us through an 'olive oil tasting'.

More about Treurer Mallorca olive oil on SkyBlueMallorca.com.

Olive Oil Cookery: The Mediterranean Diet (Healthy World Cuisine)

Free tapas at Fosh Food in Palma

2010-04-15T07:15:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to tell you all about the great offer now on at Fosh Food Restaurant in Palma, now known as the 'Tasca de Blanquerna'.

During April, any drink purchased between 7 to 9pm comes with complimentary tapas.

There is a great terrace which is ideal for a drink and snack on these lighter evenings we are now having.

Try it out and let me know what you think!

Mood Beach - warming up for the summer

2010-04-07T07:05:00.001-07:00

I was recently at Mood Beach Bar and Restaurant enjoying their 'M Factor' singing competition.

This restaurant, lounge bar, and beach club has a lot to offer.

They are currently running a Spring Mood Fabulous Favourites Special Offer; which features some of the favourites from Mood's restaurant menu at very special prices.

One of the great things about Mood, is that you can combine a great value for menu meal with some exciting night life. There is always something going on there, and lots planned for the summer, when their own swimming pool becomes even more inviting.

Prize Winning Mallorca Wine

2010-03-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

Son Prim Merlot, wine made in Sencelles, Mallorca by Son Prim winery won a medal this year at the international wine competition which takes place in Brussels.

It's a star wine as far as flavour and texture are concerned.

Check out Son Prim's new website for more information on their prize winning Mallorca wines.

Alimentaria 2010

2010-03-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

Alimentaria 2010, the biggest food fair in Europe and one of the largest in the world, opens today in Barcelona and will run till the 26th of March. Below is a video in Spanish which explains what goes on there. It is HUGE.

Foodie events on Majorca

2010-03-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

Food is one of my favourite things in the whole wide world.

seriously.

and i know I am not alone in this sentiment. There are loads of us out there. They call us foodies, or gourmands, or even gourmets...

truth is you can make it so your whole life revolves around food, what your next meal is going to be, or where you will be having it. Who cooks it, and how it makes you feel.

Luckily for all the foodies out there in Majorca, or foodies about to visit Mallorca, there is a whole lot of events scheduled over the next month which are all about food.

... and wine, but only because it goes with food...

So check out the calendar on SkyBlue Mallorca Food & Wine Guide, and really get stuck in.

Kitchen colossus: Ferran Adrià

2010-03-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

I have recently written an article on this year's edition of the Michelin guide for Spain and Portugal, and the loss of two Michelin stars in Mallorca. - An extremely debatable subject if ever there was one.

All this brought me to do a lot of research and reading about the Michelin star rating system and Michelin star chefs in Spain.

I would like to share this article with you which has recently been published on Qorreo.com - a new news resource for Spain, in English.

The article is entitled; 'Kitchen Colossus Takes Time Out' and discusses the fact that Super Chef Ferran Adrià has announced he will be taking two years off from his extremely successful Michelin starred restaurant, El Bulli.

A very special birthday meal

2010-03-12T02:53:00.000-08:00

March is my birthday month. It is probably also my most favourite month in the year.
So when the BIG day came around I wanted to treat myself and my family to a very special meal.
It took me most of two days to decide on a restaurant.
I was in the mood for some crisp, fresh flavours and healthy dishes with a twist.
Luckily for me, Viet Nam restaurant came to mind.

An assuming shop front on Plaza Progreso, houses this chic and comfortable Asian restaurant, named after the country that inspired it and whose culinary specialties it serves, Viet Nam is different and refreshing, and the food is quite simply, fabulous.

Enjoy Vietnamese delicacies such as 'Nems' crispy rolls filled with vegetables, crab or fish which you wrap in lettuce and mint and dip in soya sauce, or crispy noodles with prawns. Another highlight for me were the banana rolls I ordered for dessert.

Everything about the food at this restaurant feels healthy and satisfying. Highly recommended for a special night out.

Don't miss out!

2009-08-26T00:15:00.001-07:00

You still have time to enter the August competition on SkyBlue Mallorca. The prize this month is a dinner for two at Fonoll Mari Restaurant. I won't tell you where it is, because that's the question you have to answer in order to win!! So enter the competition now and enjoy a delicious dinner on this amazing sea facing terrace in Majorca. Good luck!

Coming up at Rialto Living in Palma

2009-08-19T13:27:00.001-07:00

The next art exhibition to be taking place at Rialto Living in Palma is 'A Taula' an exhibition of photographs by Menorcan photographer Lluis Real. A Taula means 'at the table' in Catalan.
The inauguration takes place on the 17th of September, the night of the infamous 'Nit Del Art' in Palma and the exhibition will continue until the 20th of October.

Here is an example of one of the photographs. I love the vaguely gastronomic feel to it.

Mallorcan Wine Harvest

2009-08-17T03:48:00.000-07:00

The Mallorcan Wine Harvest is starting now!
Jaume Mesquida Winery in Porreres is kicking off the harvest tomorrow with its Pinot Noir. This will be the wine estate's second bio-dynamic harvest in its history, after it has recently gone completely bio-dynamic.
Watch this video interview with Bàrbara Mesquida from Jaume Mesquida wine estate for a little more information.

Another Pool side Majorca Restaurant

2009-08-11T03:07:00.000-07:00

Another Majorca Restaurant with a pool that is great for relaxing and cooling off before enjoying a great meal is King Kamehahmeha Son Quint Restaurant at Son Quint golf course in Son Vida. Get yourself a lounge bed by the pool and enjoy the restaurant's pool service which includes a pool towel and a refreshing drink per person.

At night King Kamehameha transforms into a hip and happening place to be with great fresh mediterranean cuisine by chefs Norman Wolf and Camilo Lattner.

Majorca Restaurants for the summer months

2009-07-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

With all the heat recently in Majorca, what people are most likely to be looking for is a good Majorca Restaurant with a beautiful terrace, and preferably great views!
So I have decided that the next few posts will be dedicated to some of the restaurants with those characteristics which are profiled on SkyBlue Mallorca.

The first in the series is La Terraza Restaurant in Port Adriano. This restaurant has the added advantage that it has a swimming pool, so you can take the kids along and enjoy a refreshing swim before lunch! The in house specialities are lobster paella and tapas, and the restaurant has great views over the port and the rest of the bay. The pool is open to customers from 11.00 to 18.00. Don´t you just want to jump in?!

Watch this video for a closer look at this magnificent terrace and pool.

Liquid Art

2009-07-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a great video which has recently been uploaded to SkyBlue Mallorca.
I love the idea of combining food and wine with art, and chef Pepe Pintos does this spectacularly. In this video he talks about some paintings he has created to portray a 'Liquid Art' inspired by wine and the wines of Mallorca.
The various paitings are inspired by Armero i Adrover, Jaume Mesquida and Macià Batle wine estates.

Each painting has a dish created by this artistic chef to go with it.

This video is in spanish! For more info see here

Kamehameha Competition in July

2009-06-29T04:49:00.000-07:00

This month's competition prize is a meal for two at the trendy King Kamehameha Restaurant which is located at Son Quint golf course, in Son Vida Majorca.

Apart from having a name which is extremely difficult to pronounce (the name I think is taken from the name of an ancient Hawaiian king), King Kamehameha Son Quint Restaurant is a beautiful location for a meal, a drink or a laze by the pool.

Kamehameha offers a very hip atmosphere, an idyllic location and a fantastic pool. Its team is also very experienced at organising all types of events and will be happy to help you organise your Majorca party or event at their gorgeous venue.

Enter the competition now

All the latest Mallorca Food & Wine News

2009-06-23T00:32:00.000-07:00

A lot has been going on on SkyBlue Mallorca since my last post. I apologise for my absence! :)
I have been busy updating the site with more Mallorca Restaurants, Shops and Products, Catering companies and Mallorca News. I have been especially busy adding to the German section of the site. I am glad to be able to help Mallorca's premium Food and Wine site to reach out and be useful to more people.

The format of the site has also been changed slightly, so that now, every time you check back there will be 4 recent videos for you to see on the homepage. Further down the homepage you can now also see what has been uploaded recently, with a short teaser text and a small image. Now you can see just how often we add new interesting information to the website.

Skyblue Mallorca's facebook page is looking really great now. It has become very interactive and Anthony and Astrid post details of food and wine events and happenings they have been to across the island. Become a fan.

Every week more news is added to the Mallorca News section. I have just added a great article by local VIP chef Marc Fosh. The photo I am using in this post is his.

And tomorrow is Newsletter day again, which means that throughout the rest of the day I will be working with Anthony and Astrid on getting the latest edition of the Newsletter ready to send out to you all. If you are not yet receiving SBM's bi-weekly newsletter, sign up now. And wait for the latest Food & Wine news to arrive in your inbox!

Asparragus, Asparragus

2009-05-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

Do you like Asparragus?

The Asparragus season is in full swing and to honour our spear-headed friend the Aqua Restaurant at The St Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort Hotel is running four weeks of Asparragus themed menus.
The menus are offered Monday- Saturday and different options are offered each day.
Here are some mouth-watering examples;
Marinated white asparagus with Serrano ham and lettuce leaves
Fried sea bass on asparagus risotto and truffle foam
Panfried beef escalope with white asparagus and small potatoes
Iced Amarettini Parfait with marinated oranges
You can download the full menus on our Menu Download Page

Mallorca Wineries

2009-05-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

Over the last few months I have been adding lots of information to SkyBlue Mallorca about Majorca wine and Mallorca wineries. Up to know that information has mostly been in English and Spanish. But now that we have someone helping us with German we are slowly adding Majorca winery information in Deutsch. See some of the latest wine estate profiles in German, Weingüter.

Wine is on of my developing passions, I don't just like to drink it, I also like to learn about it! I recently went on a great wine tasting course at Catavinos wine shop in Palma, and I have written a couple of articles on Mallorca wine which have been published on SkyBlue Mallorca and on ezinearticles.com. Here is one on wines from the wine producing region of Binissalem.

Encuentros / 'Meetings'

2009-05-13T06:38:00.000-07:00

I can never resist publishing some information on the art exhbitions going at Rialto living Lifestyle store in Palma. It is such a great place and their art exhibitions are each unique and special. If you go to the inauguration night there is a glass of wine for everyone there and its such a delightful way to spend an evening.

The next inauguration night is taking place on the 28th of May and the exhibition is called 'Encuentros' or 'Meetings' and it consists of a collection of photographs by local artist Nuria Forteza. The photographs were taken on one of the artist's visits to La Habana, Cuba.

Here is what she has to say:

There are people that collect stones, papers, matchboxes, fridge magnets... I even have a friend who collects light...
People collect everything... and I collect colours.
The obession for collecting things can start very early or very late. My obsession for colours started, I think, with socks: ﬁrst they were one colour, then another, striped, dotted, with drawings, even including my underwear.
But that wasn’t enough, my obsession continued growing... That’s how I started noting all the colours surrounding me.
Havana, winter 2003... buildings in ruins, windows without glass, old cars, music on every corner, its people and above all, its colours.
“Meetings” is my collection of Havana, photographs with a touch of colour.

Simply Fosh

2009-05-11T01:35:00.000-07:00

For those of you who do not know, Mallorca's top celebrity chef, Marc Fosh, has now left Read's Hotel and has opened his own restaurant in Palma. He has named the restaurant 'Simply Fosh' and describes his offering as 'going back to basics' and 'enjoying good, fresh, healthy food at affordable prices'.

The restaurant is located inside what used to be the Refectori Restaurant of the Convent de la Missio Hotel in the centre of Palma and you can find more in depth information on SkyBlue Mallorca.

Don't forget that Marc regularly contributes mouth watering articles to SkyBlue Mallorca and three recipes a week. Read the latest article which is all about the wonders of GARLIC !

Classy without being expensive

2009-04-22T02:12:00.000-07:00

- Unfortunately the Café Mirall has had to close, for more cafés and lounges in Majorca, see SkyBlue Mallorca

Café Mirall is a brand new Café in the centre of Palma which is a refeshing take of a classy stylish café in that it will not break the bank.

At Café Mirall you can have a great coffee, tea, healthy breakfast or light meal for a very attractive price. The breakfasts are especially attractive as you can get a healthy muesli or breakfast combination which is diffiucult to come by in Palma.

Café Mirall is the latest addition to SkyBlue Mallorca's Cafes and Lounges section.

Ross Abrams Exhibition at Rialto Living, Palma

2009-04-13T07:18:00.000-07:00

In May 2006, Ross Abrams (1920-2006) slipped and fell while walking along the path that leads down to the sea from his adopted home village of Deià. It marked the end of a long and productive life, more than half of which he spent in Mallorca, creating a diverse and extensive body of work, as well as raising three children together with his artist wife, Mary Tatum.
Whereas Mary painted on canvas in a bold and colourful style, Ross preferred to create on a smaller scale, producing primarily prints employing woodcut, silk screen, and etching techniques. He was a meticulous craftsman with an unerring eye for form and perspective. His work, while being very attentive to detail, has at times an almost Zen-like simplicity: there is more there than what he has brought to visible life with strokes of the brush or pencil. Such an effect can only be achieved through innate talent combined with acquired skills and years of experience.

This exhibition at Rialto Living is the first posthumous showing of Ross Abrams´ work.

The inauguration of the exhibition will take place on Thursday 16th of April at 19.30 pm and will continue until the 26th of May 2009 at Rialto Living.

foodie events

2009-04-01T07:16:00.001-07:00

There is always something going on in Mallorca in the way of food and drink.. and one of SkyBlue Mallorca's missions it to keep you abreast with all the events before they happen - so you don't miss a single one! We have already covered numerous events this year, 2009, and well, today is only the 1st of April.. ! So far we have had the FEVI 2009, (wine fair); Alimenta 2009 (food and drink fair), our own exclusive SkyBlue Mallorca wine tasting, to name just 3 of the bigger ones!

A very well know gastronomic event which takes place every year is the Mostra de Cuina. Previously, this event has taken on the form of a fair; it has taken place over a few days at a particular venue and participating restaurants had a stand where you could go and try some of their cusine at very affordable prices. This year will be different: this year Restauració want you to experience the restaurants themselves by going to visit them and being able to enjoy a set menu, again at very affordable prices, and they have organised several routes across the island to enable you to do so. Find out more now on SkyBlue Mallorca!

Recipes on SkyBlue Mallorca

2009-03-19T04:27:00.000-07:00

I love the new recipe section we have added on SkyBlue Mallorca. At the moment it features recipes by top Michelin-rated Chef Marc Fosh.

I have just added three recipes to it which all feature cephalopods - that's the latin name for squid, octupus, cuttlefish and the like.

The recipes are neatly set up to show ingredients and step by step instructions of how to create some of Marc's favourite recipes. -Thank you Marc for sharing them with us!

Marc is one of SkyBlue Mallorca's featured Chefs, and he recently gave an exclusive interview to the SkyBlue Mallorca team about his career and his imminent new restaurant. Watch it here!

His recipe contributions all tie in with some great articles which also feature on SkyBlue Mallorca on the Mallorca News section of the site.

When did you last taste art?

2009-03-18T05:12:00.000-07:00

Pepe Pintos Cocinero, Chef and Artist in Palma de Mallorca presents his latest project on SkyBlue Mallorca Food & Wine Guide.

Pepe shows us how his paintings inspire his dishes and vice versa - Watch the videos now!

and read all about his first 'Pictorial-Gastronomic' Exhibition

New Food & Drink Fair in Mallorca

2009-03-12T04:42:00.000-07:00

The new Alimenta Food & Drink Fair will be taking place at Palma's Son Sant Joan Airport from the 18th of March 2009.
It promises to be an exciting gastronomic meeting with the participation of some of Spain's most prominent chefs, producers and distributors. Here are some of the activities that will be going on during the event:
18th of March 17.00 Show Cooking with Chef Santi Santimaria of 3 Michelin Stars

19th of March 11.00 Tasting of Mahon Menorca Cheese
12.00 Show Cooking with Chef Tomeu Caldentey of 1 Michelin Star

20th of March 12.00 Mallorcan Olive Oil Tasting
17.00 Show Cooking with Chef Jesus Ramiro of 1 Michelin Star

21st of March - Open to the General Public
11.00 Show Cooking with Chef Carlos Valentí, Spanish Champion of Tapas and Pinchos
12.00 Mallorcan Sobrassada Tasting
16.00 'Mallorcan Liquers' with Pep Natta of Bodega Tianna Negre
17.00 'Slow and Ecological Food' with Chef Benet Viçens.
18.00 Wine Tasting of wines from the Designation of Origin Pla i Llevant
19.00 Award Ceremony 'Dionysos Prize for Mallorcan Wines'

For more info see the Alimenta Webpage

The Art of Living

2009-03-11T07:42:00.000-07:00

Rialto Living combines art with interior design and a charming cafe. Every six weeks they host a new art exhibition and tomorrow is the inauguration of the 'Trying to be Natural' exhibition.
Art work by Pärnilla Lundgren, a Swedish artist, now living in Palma de Mallorca

Rialto Living 12 March – 14 April 2009

Inauguration: Thursday 12th of March 19.30 pm

For more information of what's on this month check the SkyBlueMallorca Calendar.

CHOCOLATE

2009-03-10T03:51:00.000-07:00

dark chocolate, white chocolate, milk chocolate...
chocolate bars, chocolate bombons, chocolate truffles, chocolate cream, chocolate sauce...
chocolate with nuts, puffed rice, dried fruits, biscuit....
all home made.
That is XOCOA - Palma's all new chocolate boutique.
I dare you to walk past their shop front and not buy some chocolate!

Fashionable and Fabulous waters

2009-03-09T04:10:00.000-07:00

and they're healthy too...
we are what we eat.. and what about what we drink?
Fillico water is often cited the most exclusive bottled water in the world as it comes in a bottle studded with Swarovski crystals and topped with a handmade crown and only 5000 bottles are produced every month.
Find out more about premium waters at Water Gallery in Santa Ponsa, Mallorca.

Things going on at SkyBlue Mallorca

2009-02-26T02:46:00.000-08:00

Things have been so busy at SkyBlue Mallorca that is has been very very difficult to blog...

Last night we hosted our first wine event at Tapelia Restaurant in Portixol where we tasted some Son Prim wines.

I was particularly impressed with the Son Prim white wine made from red grapes.

We posted an interview with Chef Marc Fosh where he told us about everything from washing dishes, to working at Reads Hotel in Mallorca, to moving on to fresh ideas.

We have added a profile for Jaume Mesquida Wine Estate in Porreres, Mallorca

We have added information on more shops and products in Majorca

and we have added a new recipe section!

SkyBlue Mallorca is now also on Facebook and Twitter

and we will be attending the FEVI wine Festival which is taking place later today...!!

Treat your loved one this Valentine's Day

2009-02-11T01:29:00.000-08:00

Still don't know what to give your Valentine this year?
Good food and wine is a true and delicious way to the heart!.. So choose from our list of Valentine's Menus on offer at restaurants across Mallorca and watch the food of love take effect!

Majorca Weddings

2009-02-06T01:42:00.000-08:00

Mallorca has become one of the preferred destinations for weddings both for Spaniards and for people from many other countries. The beautiful scenery and the pleasant weather both make Majorca an ideal location to celebrate the happiest day of our lives. The island enjoys regular air connections with many European cities, and this makes it very easy to come to Mallorca to celebrate such a special event.

They are many options in Mallorca when it comes to finding the perfect venue for your wedding. There are some spectacular places, many of them Mallorcan fincas, which you can rent out for your special day; Finca Son Mir, Finca Sa Simentera de Canet in Esporles or Son Marroig in Deia. Many Majorca restaurants have private dining rooms or banquet halls which can be adapted for events. Hotels are also a popular option, they offer the advantage of having accommodation on site for the couple and their guests and they can also offer ample experience in banqueting and parties. When deciding on the right venue for your wedding you have to consider what kind of event you would like and how many guests you are planning to accommodate.

For the wedding to be a success it is essential to choose to right gastronomic offering for your wedding meal. There are numerous dedicated Catering companies in Mallorca which can either cater for your event at the venue of your choice across Majorca or can recommend venues they work closely with or have for their exclusive use. These Catering companies are also often able to provide an event organisation service and take care of every detail of your event; not only the food and drink but also the venue, the decoration and even the entertainment. Catering services usually have sample menus to help you decide on your meal, but they can also create an exclusive menu according to your needs and budget.

SkyBlue Mallorca Exclusive Wine Tasting Event

2009-02-04T01:04:00.000-08:00

SkyBlue Mallorca invites you to an exclusive Wine Tasting

Discover a unique venue and try some exquisite Mallorcan wines

In partnership with Tapelia Restaurant and Son Prim Wine Estate

On the 25th of February 2009 from 19.00
At Tapelia in Portixol

Get to know this magnificent restaurant on Playa de Palma beach with amazing views of the whole of Palma bay and try award winning wines from Son Prim Wine Estate in Mallorca
Complimentary Wine Tasting and Canapés
Tapelia Restaurant will also be offering a Tasting Menu at a very special price for those who would like to stay on to have dinner
We look forward to seeing you there! Click here for more details

Discovering Mallorcan Olive Oil

2009-01-28T05:34:00.000-08:00

I recently attended the presentation for this year's production of Extra Virgin Olive Oil with the designation of origin 'Oli de Mallorca'. Here are some of my discoveries on Mallorca's own Olive Oil..

Authentic Mallorcan Olive Oil is produced using any one or a combination of the olive varieties, Arbequina, Picual or Mallorquina. These three varietals of olive allow the producers to create olive oils which are of an extremely high quality and which have very unique flavours and aromas. The Arbequina olive gives the oil a fruity taste, the Picual gives a more bitter flavour and the Mallorquina brings a more subtle sweetness which is reminiscent of ripe almonds. The oils produced using any one of these olive types, or different combinations of each are all unique and often surprising in their depth of flavour and aroma.

At present there are a total of 372 producers of Mallorcan Olive Oil, comprising a total of 1400 hectares of land and 7 Olive Oil presses. During 2008 a total of 100,000 litres of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil was produced which showed an increase of 17.5% over the previous year. Despite this, the amount of Mallorcan Olive Oil consumed on the island only accounts for 2.7% of the total sales. The rest of the sales are made abroad, with Germany being the primary consumer.

During the presentation at the Casal Solleric in Palma, The President of the Regulatory Council for Mallorcan Olive Oil, Mr Josep Oliver referred to the still apparent lack of knowledge about authentic Olive Oil and how to identify it by way of the distinctive green logo. The lack of hotels and restaurants using Mallorcan Olive Oil is also still very apparent and tourism establishments need to be made aware of the product and to be encouraged to help in its promotion. The production of olive oil on the island of Mallorca is emblematic not just because of the age old tradition it represents but also for the beautiful scenery of olive trees which it lends to the landscape. Extra virgin olive oil is a natural product, made from pure olive juice and which acts as the base for Mallorcan and Mediterranean gastronomy. As Mr Oliver so aptly put it, Mallorcan Olive Oil is not just another oil, it is the essence of Mallorca.

For more information see SkyBlue Mallorca Food & Wine Guide

Organise your wedding, business event or celebration in Majorca, Spain

2009-01-22T01:09:00.000-08:00

Mallorca is the ideal place for any celebration, wedding or event, providing a myriad of beautiful venues and locations.. and now SkyBlue Mallorca presents you with some of the island's first class Catering and Event Organisation companies, so that it is even easier to create the perfect event.

The latest Catering Companies to have been added to the list are Top Catering with Chef Stefan Schmaing, and Tot a Punt Catering with Chef Carlos Lopez Duran.

Find a Restaurant in Palma, Majorca

2009-01-15T04:05:00.001-08:00

SkyBlue Mallorca Food & Wine Guide includes more than 50 Restaurants in Palma, Majorca. We have listed the best restaurants of the Mallorcan capital under Palma Restaurants. Palma Restaurants includes restaurants in well known areas of the city, such as La Lonja, Santa Catalina, the old city, el Portixol, Ciudad Jardin and el Molinar. So whether you are looking for a typical Mallorcan restaurant, a tapas bar, or something a little different such as vegetarian cuisine, Italian, Japanese, Vietnamese, or Indian, you will be able to find a restaurant in Palma which suits your taste. Now it is even easier to find a restaurant in Palma!

Happy New Year! New competition, New Restaurants..

2009-01-08T05:52:00.000-08:00

Happy 2009!

During the month of January 2009 you can win a meal for two at the fantastic El Tula Restaurant in Portixol, Majorca. Enter now!

There are also lots of new restaurants and catering companies on our Food & Wine Guide, and lots more to come...Here is a taster;

Arume Restaurant in Palma. This Restaurant and sushi bar combines asian and mediterranean cuisine
El Tula Restaurant in Portixol. A truly authentic Italian restaurant
Forn de Sant Joan Restaurant in La Lonja, Palma. Choose one of four levels of mediterranean cuisine
Anem a Portol Restaurant. Classic Majorcan cuisine and fully equipped dining rooms in Portol
Nassau Beach by Anima Restaurant. A new concept in a privileged location in Portixol, Palma
Wineing Restaurant. A fun new way to taste different wines in La Lonja, Palma
Molt de Gust, Catering, Take Away food and Restaurant in the centre of Palma
La Alacena de Mallorca, Catering Company. An elegant, modern and traditional catering service for any event in Mallorca

Mallorca Christmas Food

2008-12-21T07:21:00.000-08:00

Like all the significant festivities of the annual calendar, Christmas in Mallorca has its own important gastronomic traditions. Christmas has been developing and changing in Mallorca over the years, but when it comes to food some very strong customs are still prevalent and are passed on from parents to children.
Christmas Eve is a very significant evening in Mallorca, just as in the rest of Spain. The custom is to go to Church at midnight for what is known as the 'Cockerel's Mass' to bring in the day of the birth of Christ. On the way home from the service it is traditional to have a hot chocolate and some Mallorcan ensaimadas.
Lunch on Christmas Day is a gastronomic feast; the meal starts with a 'Sopa de Navidad' or 'Christmas Soup', which consists of turkey broth with pasta, liver and boiled eggs in it; next is boiled turkey with vegetables and then a roast pork with crackling and 'patató' or roast new potatoes. For dessert, a tray of different 'turrón' is prepared. Turrón is a sweet traditionally based on almonds and comes in many different varieties, but the typical Mallorcan turrón is a thin version with almond paste in between sheets of rice paper or 'neulas'. The turrón can be accompanied by a 'Coca de Nadal' or Christmas cake which is similar to the coca de patata which is so typical of the village of Valldemossa, but is bigger and has aniseed in it. Mallorcan almonds and indeed all dried fruits have a very prominent role throughout all the Christmas season, both in the form of 'turrón' and marzipan as on their own. The meal is usually accompanied by a good wine and a glass of cava.
The next day, the 26th of December, is also a feast day in Mallorca, and families usually get together again to enjoy the leftovers of the previous' day's lunch.
As they say in Mallorca, Bon Profit y Bones Festes!

Christmas at Home

2008-12-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

Some Mallorca Restaurants have come up with a great new idea this Christmas- take away festive meals!
What better way to enjoy some quality festive cooking without all the stress and bother?!

For now, there are three Mallorca restaurants offering this service and you can download the menus direct from SkyBlueMallorca.com
The restaurants are Ca'n March Restaurant in Manacor, Es Moli d'en Bou Restaurant in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, and Molt de Gust Catering and Restaurant in Palma.
Download their menus now and enjoy a gourmet Christmas in the comfort of your own home!

Merry Christmas!

New beginnings for Koldo Royo

2008-12-10T01:27:00.000-08:00

After twenty years, eighteen with a Michelin star to its name, the prestigiuos 'Koldo Royo' Restaurant on the Paseo Maritimo in Palma, Majorca has closed. Koldo Royo is one of the most influential Chefs in Spain; he has been awarded numerous prizes, both on a national and international level, and he has worked with some of the greatest culinary masters in Spain, such as Juan Mari Arzak and Luis Irizar. The closing of 'Koldo Royo' marks the end of an era for Koldo, but he assures us that he needs time to 'reflect' before beginning new endeavours.
SkyBlue Mallorca was honoured to be able to record the above interview with Koldo Royo in Spanish in which he tells us about his new beginnings
Read more about Koldo Royo and his career as one of the top Chefs in Spain

Fantastic Gourmet gifts

2008-12-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

We visited Maria, Juan Jose and Virgilio at Fausto Izquierdo last week and have since put their gourmet charcuterie up on SkyBlue Mallorca.

I thought their gourmet hampers were fantastic as gifts to people this festive season.. Maria and Juanjo help you choose the right produce and to combine it so that it is as well used as possible!

El Pato Restaurant, New to SkyBlueMallorca.com

2008-12-02T07:17:00.000-08:00

The latest addition to SkyBlueMallorca.com is El Pato Restaurant in Son Vida, inside Son Vida Golf Club House.

As always, great fun was had putting this page together... This signature dish of duck breast with red wine pear looked (and smelt) divine!

Read all about it on SkyBlueMallorca.com

Porxada de Sa Torre, New Restaurant on SkyBlue Mallorca

2008-11-26T02:58:00.000-08:00

New Restaurant on SkyBlue Mallorca Food & Wine Guide - Porxada de Sa Torre Restaurant in Canyamel, near Capdepera.

Find out more about this Restaurant on SkyBlue Mallorca - Suckling pig is their star dish!

Pro Gastronomía Balear '09 - The world is introduced to New Balearic Gastronomy

2008-11-21T02:43:00.000-08:00

The first event of the Pro Gastronomía Balear 09 movement which will travel to the conference Lo Mejor de la Gastronomía (The best of Gastronomy) in San Sebastian at the end of November was presented at the Son Termens Estate. More than 50 professionals from the world of Balearic gastronomy will be traveling to the conference, considered one of the most important gastronomic events in Europe with Mallorca A la Carta and the Association of Balearic Gastronomy.

Those assisting the presentation were able to taste 15 of the thirty tapas dishes which will be presented during an official dinner at the prestigious conference. The tapas dishes have been created by 15 of the most talented Chefs of the Balearics all of whom will travel to the conference in San Sebastian to represent New Balearic cuisine at its best.

This will be the first time ever that the Balearic Islands have enjoyed such an significant representation at this international conference and the star studded group of ambassadors hope to promote new Balearic cuisine, the islands as a gastronomic destination and the richness of autochthonous products it is home to. A book will also be presented at the conference which will present the best of Balearic Gastronomy, the creation of which SkyBlue Mallorca Food & Wine Guide is proud to have taken part in.

The Chefs participating in Pro Gastronomia Balear '09 are the following;

Gerhard Schwaiger from Tristan Restaurant in Puerto Portals

Benet Vicens from Bens D'Avall Restaurant in Soller

Koldo Royo from Koldo Royo Restaurant in Palma

Marc Fosh from Bacchus Restaurant at Reads
Hotel

Bartomeu Caldentey from Es Moli d'en Bou Restaurant in Llorenç des Cardassar

Rafael Sánchez from Plat D'Or Restaurant at the Arabella Sheraton Hotel in Son Vida

Macarena de Castro from Jardin Restaurant in Alcudia

Joan Marc Garcías from 36/5 Restaurant in Hotel Son Brull

Guillermo Méndez from El Olivo Restaurant in La Residencia Hotel

Oscar García from S'Atic Restaurant at Hotel los Geranios

Bartomeu Trias, current champion Chef of the Balearic Islands

Vicente Fortea from Son Termens

Jordi Calvache from Son Julia Restaurant, Gran Hotel Son Julia

Santiago Taura from Santi Taura Restaurant

Caterina Pieras from del Es Vi Restaurant at the Castillo Hotel Son Vida

and The Escuela de Hosteleria from the University of the Balearic Islands

As well as the following Mallorca Wine Estates; Miquel Gelabert, Anima Negra and Cap de Bavaria

New Majorca Chefs information on SkyBlueMallorca.com

2008-11-20T05:03:00.000-08:00

photo of the stunning view from Cap Vermell Restaurant

Two new chef profiles have been added to our extensive list of Mallorca Chefs.

Roland Schulte is now heading up the stunning Cap Vermell Beach Hotel and Restaurant.

Read more about Roland's star studded career and watch a video interview.

Julio Garmendia is originally from the Basque country in Spain and has worked with some of the great Spanish chefs like Carlos Arguiñano and is now heading up the new Eboca restaurant in Ciudad Jardin and enjoys using products with Denomination of Origin of the Balearic Islands.

Articles on Ezine, Discovering Majorca Food

2008-11-12T04:12:00.000-08:00

I am glad to say that some of my articles have been incuded on Ezinearticles.com
I have uploaded some of my articles on Majorca Food and Majorca Restaurants. Read the articles in their original format on SkyBlueMallorca.com;
Majorca Food, An Introduction
Majorca Food, Rich and Varied Vegetables
Majorca Food, The Ensaimada
Majorca Food, Sobrassada
Majorca Restaurants with Michelin Stars

Have a look at my profile on Ezine Articles

The photo on the right is of a Mallorca Ensaimada, thanks to www.illesbalearsqualitat.cat for the photo

mmmm wine and cheese

2008-11-07T02:08:00.001-08:00

personally, there is precious little I enjoy more than some cheese and a glass of red wine..

Read about Mallorcan and Menorcan cheese, what is it made from?, where can you get it?, on SkyBlueMallorca.com

And while you are at it find out about the fabulous wines made in Mallorca to accompany your cheese.

New competition for November

2008-11-05T02:56:00.000-08:00

This month's competition prize on SkyBlueMallorca.com is a lunch for two at the fabulous Mood Beach Restaurant in Costa d'en Blanes, Majorca. This fantastic restaurant is always running different events and parties which you can find out about in our calendar.
Enter the competition now by answering the following question;
Which port is nearest to Mood Beach Restaurant?
Please follow the instructions on the competition page to enter...

Discovering the José L Ferrer Wine Estate in Binissalem, Majorca

2008-10-31T04:12:00.001-07:00

We have just included the José L Ferrer Wine Estate on SkyBlue Mallorca Food & Wine Guide.

This wine estate or bodega is one of the wineries under the Designation of Origin Binissalem in Mallorca, and produces around 800,000 bottles of wine a year!

We went for a walk around the wine estate with the owner Jose Luis Roses Ferrer, watch a video of our mini tour on SkyBlue Mallorca.

Pure Passion

2008-10-29T01:56:00.000-07:00

The Designation of Origin of wine from Binissalem, Mallorca presented their new marketing image at the Museum of Es Baluard in Palma. The new slogan, is 'pura passió' with a red heart showing the passion of the winemakers of the Binissalem area.

A new wine route has also been included in the publicity campaign so that tourists and other interested parties can drive around the area visiting the 14 wine estates of the D.O Binissalem

Read a further article about this on SkyBlueMallorca.com

Watch a video interview in Spanish about this event

Fine dining at Ca'n Calent

2008-10-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

I was privileged enough to be able to try out Miquel Vicens' new autumn menu at Ca'n Calent Restaurant in Campos, Majorca.

Miquel changes his menu four times a year to reflect the different seasons and hopes that all his customers know where they are - in Mallorca! when they taste his food.

Pictured is an aperitif, cream of chickpeas with sobrassada and fish croquette.

Sal de Cocó

2008-10-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

Do you know what Sal de Cocó is?

You do now..

Sal de Cocó is the name given to natural sea salt collected from the rocks by the fishermen in the area of the Balearic island of Cabrera and Colonia Sant Jordi.

Marta Rosselló a talented young Mallorcan chef has given her restaurant this name.

New Restaurants on SkyBlue Mallorca Food & Wine Guide

2008-10-21T04:08:00.000-07:00

Two new restaurants on SkyBlue Mallorca Food & Wine Guide;

Antonio Restaurant in Colonia Sant Jordi - family restaurant specialising in Paellas and fish and rice dishes.

Cassai Restaurant in Ses Salines - Trendy restaurant in the middle of this Mallorcan village.

While on the subject of Paella why not enter this month's competition on SkyBlue Mallorca and win a meal for two at Tapelia Restaurant?

Menu presentation at Son Julia Restaurant, Gran Hotel Son Julia, Llucmajor, Mallorca

2008-10-09T02:09:00.001-07:00

Chef Jordi Calvache presented his new menu at Son Julia Restaurant at the Gran Hotel Son Julia.
It was beautifully presented, and Jordi talked everyone through each dish. His focus is on seasonal produce, so lots of pumpkin, chestnuts, white truffle and mushrooms are included as well as all the autumn colours.