The past few editions we have focussed a spread on the independent privately owned retailer of fashion. We have plenty more examples to share with you. But this month we want to share with you six retailers of food.
One of the reasons we all love Menorca is because of the wonderful fresh food that goes straight from the sea or the field onto your plate. We have discovered some of the sources for these delicious ingredients, preferred by Menorquins.
Seek them out and cook up a storm.
El Paladar
Carrer Cuitadella. 97
Tel 971 369 248
If you ever wondered where the very discerning Menorquíns buy their premium groceries, then now you know.
This is not your average delicatessen. You are greeted by a wall of foodie scent, and a spectacle of cheese, fish, olives and other gorgeousness! Wines line the walls to supplement the food. It is really a fantastic experience for anyone interested in food.
The speciality is Jamón ‘extraordinaire’. There are over 50 hams hanging in this shop, and the queue of customers wait the skilful hand carving by the staff serve you.
If you are unsure what to select, then ask for a little taster. But as a tip choose a 3 or 5 year old Ibérico de Bellota Jamón, a free range black pig that grazes on the acorns beneath the encina (holm oak) trees across south eastern Spain. The ruby red colour is really the hallmark of these ‘Gran Reserva’ hams. Possibly the greatest delicacy on the Island!
El Paladar have 4 outlets in Menorca, two in Ciutadella one in Menorca and one in Mercadel. You can order on-line too and have their produce delivered all over Europe – www.elpaladar.es
S’Hort Ecològic
Avda.Vives Llull no 91, 07703 Mahon
971 354 603
So, if you’re to be guaranteed 100% organic fresh produce, where on the island would you go?
One’s expectation is that the whole Island might be Organic. I’m afraid this is sadly not so. May be one day, but for now, more commercial farming is the only way of yielding both value for the customer and a decent living for the farmer. That’s not to say there isn’t any organic farming on the island because there is.
The best way of purchasing a wide variety of Organic produce is to shop once a week at S’Hort Ecològic. As well as fab fruit and vegetables you will find an assortment of grains, flours, rices and pastas. There is also a good selection of health care and toiletries so ‘buy it well but it once a week’!
De Vins
Camino de la Vina, 118. 07703 Mahon
971 362 194
Just like the other retailers mentioned above, when you walk through the door of De Vins delivers the WOW factor. Great shop fit-out and a long corridor of wines on display reaching up to the roof. The chice can be bewildering, but fear not, the staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. The wines are predominantly Spanish as you might expect and prices vary from 5 euros to 100 euros a bottle.
They have a good selection of half bottles too, so taste a little before you commit.
XXX Fish Market
Fish is in abundance on the Island, and we are talking fresh fish, straight from the boats every day.
The Fish Market in Mahon provides a great service, but we have focussed on xxx, located on the harbour, near the gin factory.
You can usually park outside, and if you arrive in good time in the morning the choice is bewildering. 5 types of gambas alone! Don’t be overwhelmed, the staff are gentle and helpful and take a chance with something you may not be familiar with. They will gut and scale the fish for you, and advise how to best cook it. Sheer joy.
Look out for the bottle of oil and herbs in the fridge which is lovely, and the only wine they sell is perfect with all the fish we have tried.
Xxx Patisserie
Paris is always hailed as the home of the patisserie. Well this long established bakery in Mahon, a five-minute walk for the Santa Maria Cathedral in Mahon, will compete against any of them.
The locals all know and visit it and droll when you mention the name. So for the resident or visitor, you may have to work a little harder to experience this gem. Breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea, they have it covered. No pre-packed sandwiches, just delicacies that have been enjoyed for centuries.
It is packed in the morning for all the delicious warm ‘just out of the oven’ products and sold out by late morning. Give it a go. Under the arch of the old city wall, and a short walk up a gentle hill.