Monday, January 02, 2006
Hogwarts Bistro

 

 

 

Gemelos 2 Calle Ibiza 52 Benidorm

Christmas Dinner

Hogwarts Bistro is truly a doorway to another world. The name is a fictional school of magic that is the main setting of the Harry Potter series of novel, which is the very epitome of English fantasies about magical art. The decor includes warlocks and witches which  adds to the atmosphere of romance and fantasy. With a setting that evokes tradition in the old World, the Hogwarts Bistro presents an artistic imagination in the preparation of the dishes.

Located in the heart of New Town Benidorm, Hogwarts Bistro offers International cuisine classics elevated with the finest ingredients with a menu that reflects the Chef's creativity and diversity. Hogwarts' specials such as the Steaks from the grill which is cooked to your preference, T-Bone Steaks, Lamb Shank, Beef Wellington, Chicken a la Kiev, Poached Salmon, Stuffed Trout, Beef Stroganoff are just a few to excite the senses. The meals prepared has a "fresh-from-the-garden quality", beautifully prepared with lots of vegetables and exquisite greens. A gracious and attentive staff is at your service to assist in navigating the extensive menu and to recommend the perfect selection of "menu of the day." The combination of culinary skill and passion for exceptional service gives you the freedom to relax and truly be a guest at your own event.

Hogwarts Bistro is known as a place with "fine dining cuisine, not so casual dining prices" and that is slightly off the mark. We reckon that the price is value for money. Portions are surprisingly large yet not so large as to discourage menu sampling. Our flight of appetizers included Sautéed Mussels in garlic and herbs and the Soup of the Day for my husband which was a vegetable soup that tasted very much like a Minestrone.

After the appetizer, I wasn't looking for anything substantial for my entree and went with a Baked Fish. Wrong move. The Baked Fish consisted of mash potatoes, different types of fish and seafood accompanied by a plateful of side dishes of vegetables. Although it was gorgeous, it was far too much. My husband opted for a Poached Salmon in Champagne sauce which was just right in portion which of course he enjoyed also. I didn't want eat too much of the side dishes so as to leave room for the delicious desserts Hogwarts offered.

For dessert, my husband ordered a Lumpy Bumpy cake which is a sponge and cream cake that tasted like toffee. My husband loved it but it was far too sweet for me. I choose a more traditional cheesecake which was just right in portion and very enjoyable. The only complain my husband and I have is that they didn't have a proper coffee machine. It is a disappointing to know that after a good meal, the only coffee they can offer is Nescafe from a jar. It ruins the whole dining package. But as saying goes, there is always room for improvement.

After our gorgeous Christmas meal, we went home feeling sated both in mind and body but the wallet not so. If we will exclude our friends' bill, between my husband and I, we spent about €60.00. That is with appetizers, entrees, desserts and drinks which consisted of a bottle of beer, dry martini, a glass of red wine, mineral water and four coffees. Not bad for a feast!

Price Range:
Starters:  €2.50 - €9.00
Entrees:  €8.00 - €19.00

Meal Served:
5:30pm - 11pm every evening and from 1:30pm on Sunday afternoons.

Drinks:
Various local wines, Budweiser, San Miguel, brand named spirits and liquors, non alcoholic beverages and coffee
 

 


Posted at 09:55 pm by dazbaby
Comments (5)


Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Pfeffermühle

Urb. Panorama C./ Paraguay I La Nucia / Alicante - Telephone: 96 687 47 90

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of picturesque La Nucia features German cuisine with a European flair served in an intimate setting. The talented culinary team of Hajnalka and Ingo Breitbach offer a selection of culinary specialties. The restaurant's country style interior, detailed with cozy furnishings, is warmed by the ambient glow of dim lights. A selection of collected knick-knacks add a touch of warmth to this charming restaurant and bar.

Pfeffermühle is a traditional restaurant with a contemporary yet uncomplicated approach to food. Their focus is on ingredients - unique, pure and fresh. Using innovative and recognizable flavours, Pfeffermühle's menu presents food that is straight forward in description and inventive in presentation. Pfeffermühle offers a wide variety of starters and salads and to name a few: Shrimp Cocktail or Salmon Tartar on light Dill cream sauce; or how about a creamy Lobster soup laced with brandy or something traditional like Beef broth garnished with stripes of pancake or liver dumplings.

The traditional menu also offers fish, chicken, pork, beef and lamb entrées all artfully prepared to appeal to today's sophisticated tastes. For example Chicken Fillets stuffed with Spinach,  Salmon with lemon/basil sauce, delicious Pepper steaks to name a few. And if you have the notion to indulge, ask for the dessert menu. They offer Tiramisu, fried Bananas and other delicious delights.

It is really a little bit of heaven made in Germany in the middle of La Nucia. When we came to visit I had for starter Beef Broth with Liver dumpling and my husband had the specialty of the day which was a creamy Chestnut soup. Now have you ever tried a Chestnut soup? It is unusual but a must try! For our entrées, my husband tried the Tiger Prawns in garlic butter served with rice and I had Salmon Fillets on a Basil sauce served with rice. If you are a big eater, I must warn you the portions are not generous but we think it is just right for us. That way it gives us the opportunity to sample an appetizer or a dessert. Personally, I think everything was absolutely fantastic! Only to be outdone by the genuinely warm and gracious service. Hajnalka, who served us, was extremely helpful and engaging. Love presented as food and indeed one of our best restaurant experiences.

Price Range:
Starters €2.00 -  €8.00
Entrées €8.00 - €18.00

Meals Served:
May till September opening hours: 19:00 - 24:00 and open 7 days a week
October till April opening hours:  12:30 - 15:30 and 19:00 - 24:00 and Close on Wednesdays

Drinks:
Local beers, Warsteiner, Erdinger and Hefeweizen Local wines. . Brand name spirits,  liquors, schnapps, coffee and of course non-alcoholic beverages.

Directions:
From Benidorm follow the main road inland towards La Nucia, after passing Burger King on the right, turn left on the second round about. And on your far left you will see the restaurant which is just slightly behind the Chinese restaurant China Garden.


Posted at 02:25 am by dazbaby
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Friday, October 28, 2005
Magic Roundabout

Edificio LOS GEMELOS IV - Calle IBIZA - Benidorm - Telephone: 96 585 18 39

Magic Roundabout is located in the center of the new town of Benidorm in the heart of the tourist area. It celebrates classic British cooking as well as a touch of international cuisine with no-nonsense taste. That means full robust flavours with the freshest ingredients. Scottish Poach Salmon, Homemade Steak Pie, Gammon Steak with seasonal vegetables are just some of the delectable headliners on the dinner menu. The food is sophisticated in flavour, rustic in charm and unpretentious in appearance. But it doesn't stop at traditional English - at Magic Roundabout, you'll find delicious Spare Ribs in BBQ sauce, Scampi in Batter and mouth watering Garlic Mushrooms for your side dish.

The dining room is very grown-up with wood panels and a bar that is in tradition to the English Pubs. The surroundings compliment the food perfectly: warm, unobtrusive ambiance with polished delivery. It is ideal for dinner dates as well as a family outing and they even have snack menus that are ideal for children. The traditional British Sunday lunch is quite well known, which is served between 1 p.m. till 6 p.m.

At Magic Roundabout we are always greeted very warmly and we never wait too long for a table even if we happen to stumble in on a busy night. And even if you have to wait for a table, the bar is very comfortable and the selection of alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic beverage is ample. The other night, we had 2 bottles of Smirnoff Ice, Poach Salmon in jacket potatoes and vegetables, Scampi in Batter with Fried Rice and garlic mushrooms as an extra side dish. We finished the evening with two espresso. We paid €34.40 including tax. The only negative comment I have on the restaurant, which is minor really - since they cater small parties for special occasion, it can get really loud and boisterous if they happen to be group of loud people.

Price Range:
Starters €1.50 - €5.00
Entrees €7.00 - €18.00

Meals Served:
Full menu is available Daily from 12 noon, and on Sundays from 1pm - 6pm they serve a Traditional British Sunday Lunch.

Drinks:
Various local wines, Draught Tetley's Bitter, Draught Estrella Artois, Bottled Budweiser, Becks and English Cider. Brand name Spirits, Liqueurs and Coffees.



 


Posted at 11:07 pm by dazbaby
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Thursday, October 27, 2005
A Sort of Introduction

This is certainly different from any other website/blog I have done. I have loads of projects at the moment and this is one of them. The idea of starting this project sprung one day while we (my husband and I) were dining out.  Since we eat out more than twice a week, we thought this would be a good place to rant and muse over our culinary experiences and maybe some misadventures. I am not a professional writer nor do I get paid for my reviews. But what I do know is, I am a professional diner and I would like to share with you some dining experiences straight from Benidorm, Spain. Benidorm may be known for not being the avantgarde in the culinary world but I can I assure you that it goes a long way further from it's "fish and chips" reputation. And I am here to prove that.

For the mean time, feel free to browse Benidorm Eats!

Posted at 01:53 am by dazbaby
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Welcome to Benidorm Eats Restaurant Guide. Benidorm has one of the largest multi-cultural communities in Valencia and this is reflected in the number and quality of dining places in and around the city. We are providing you an online guide that gives reasons to visit a cafe or restaurant, not reasons to stay away. Here you will find an extensive list of the city's best restaurants. Whether you're looking for a particular cuisine, or just looking for a nearby place to eat after a night at the theater, you'll find it all right here!

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