Arroyo Hondo Casares

I have sampled food at many restaurants along the Costa del Sol, but not many compare to the fab fare at Arroyo Hondo near Casares. Take the N-340 from Estepona, direction Sabanillas, and turn inland at the sign for Casares. The restaurant is situated in a great countryside location just 2km from Casares village and 10km from the coast. Admittedly, the last time I went here with friends, I was suffering some quite severe hangover symptoms after a late night birthday party on the Saturday. But the fantastic food and ambience at this restaurant soon perked me up (or was that the wine??). The menu is completely different to anything you will find on the coast, and although I love the beach bars in and around Marbella, their menus are all very similar, and offer little in the way of creative food. Sunday lunch is the best time to go to Arroyo Hondo in my opinion, as they are open all afternoon and you can relax and enjoy the views aswell as the great food. Dishes include:-sweet onion and manchego cheese tart; vietnamese spring rolls with lime, chilli and basil mayonnaise and gravadlax tartare with poached quail´s egg and wasabi créme fraiche (my absolute favourite). Main courses include such favourites as:-slow roast belly of pork with sage and onion mash and haricot vert wrapped in bacon; pan-fried sea bass with saffron cream and prawns, served on a bed of roasted thyme potatoes and seared duck breast marinated in 5 spices with wok-fried pak choi and green tea noodles. Desserts are home-made and delicious and include vanilla créme brulée, and warm wild berry frangipane tart. Oooh I shouldn´t write about this when it´s nearly lunchtime and all I have to look forward to is a soggy sandwich. Arroyo Hondo´s food is different and totally delicious - even with a hangover! If you are planning a trip here, it is best to book. Tel: 95289 5152.