ARROYO HONDO Sunday Lunch

Arroyo Hondo in Casares is one of our favorite restaurants. The last time I blogged about this restaurant was when we first ate there in April. We've been there for dinner several times afterwards but never for their traditional Sunday lunch. As today was another beautiful day - sunny and warm (21C in December!!), we decided to call and see if we could book a table for 1:00 p.m. and got lucky.

We set off half an hour before and drove up the winding mountain road leisurely, enjoying the views and the weather and were one of the first to arrive at the restaurant. We were greeted by Noriko, the chef's wife, who works out front while her husband takes care of the kitchen. She seated us in the main dining area which overlooks the valley. There are also a few outdoor tables in the adjacent roofed terrace by the pool which is especially convenient for those who come with their dogs.

The Sunday Lunch menu had several appetizers and three traditional roast dishes listed in the main courses - leg of lamb, pork loin and fillet of beef. Our five-year old decided right away that he wanted a grilled chicken with french fries.

My husband started with the goat cheese brulée with red onion marmalade and I had the crab, corn and spring onion tartlette. The tartlette was light and full of crab chunks and sweet corn while the goat cheese came in ramekin topped with a crispy cheese topping (hence the brulée name).

Main courses came soon after and we both opted for the traditional British dishes - pork and paprika sausages with mashed potato and onion gravy for A and the roast pork loin with crackling, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and applesauce for me. A side dish of steamed vegetables - carrots, green beans and broccoli was also served with the main courses.

By the time our main courses were served, the place was packed with English families (not a Spaniard in sight except for the waitstaff). The simple comfort food at Arroyo Hondo always hits the spot - it's almost like eating at home. Afterwards, we all shared a Belgian chocolate pudding with vanilla ice cream to end the meal. We look forward to our next meal at Arroyo Hondo but we'll come prepared with some comfortable shoes to take part in another Sunday lunch tradition - the walk in the countryside to digest all that food.