Balaixa - October 2004
What a reputation preceded this restaurant and what a loyal following it has on the forum. We couldn't wait to try it!
On arrival, we were offered either a poolside table or a table inside, but because, like a good white wine, we were well-chilled after a couple of hours sitting in the square in Pollensa, we chose to eat inside.
On reflection, this may have been a mistake on our part as we were seated in a small ante-room all by ourselves...
Described as an old Mallorcan farmhouse we were taken "aback" by the bright blue walls and the almost gothic predominance of dripping candles.
However, our food was delicious. I really pushed the boat out by ordering the foie gras starter, served on apple bread and accompanied by a glass of sweet Mallorcan wine. Hubby chose the cheese, pear and tomato salad which was huge.
For the main course, we both opted for the chicken wrapped in ham and pastry and stuffed with cheese. Hubby couldn't manage a dessert but true to my cause I manfully chose the chocolate souffle (sorry - not as good as Trencadora).
We sat in splendid isolation for the whole night except for three cats who seemed to rule the roost. And unfortunately, this is where Balaixa fell foul of us.
We have always accepted cats who roam around tables as a part of life if you eat outside (in Greece, for example) but here, in a well-run, professional establishment, we were shocked to see two cats, on two separate occasions, pick their way daintily across a table laid for four, dislodging cutlery as they went.
I am sorry but there is no excuse for this, and I am sure our Spanish waitress knew how shocked we were. Added to this was the huge dog who then appeared! We thought for one moment we were in some surreal dream.
Bill was 89 euros with drinks, wine (Rioja) and coffee.
Verdict: Undoubtedly a great setting, interesting decor and delicious food. Service was polite, friendly and efficient, but the owners, who were present, have to do something about the cats. I love them, but not when I'm eating!
On reflection, this may have been a mistake on our part as we were seated in a small ante-room all by ourselves...
Described as an old Mallorcan farmhouse we were taken "aback" by the bright blue walls and the almost gothic predominance of dripping candles.
However, our food was delicious. I really pushed the boat out by ordering the foie gras starter, served on apple bread and accompanied by a glass of sweet Mallorcan wine. Hubby chose the cheese, pear and tomato salad which was huge.
For the main course, we both opted for the chicken wrapped in ham and pastry and stuffed with cheese. Hubby couldn't manage a dessert but true to my cause I manfully chose the chocolate souffle (sorry - not as good as Trencadora).
We sat in splendid isolation for the whole night except for three cats who seemed to rule the roost. And unfortunately, this is where Balaixa fell foul of us.
We have always accepted cats who roam around tables as a part of life if you eat outside (in Greece, for example) but here, in a well-run, professional establishment, we were shocked to see two cats, on two separate occasions, pick their way daintily across a table laid for four, dislodging cutlery as they went.
I am sorry but there is no excuse for this, and I am sure our Spanish waitress knew how shocked we were. Added to this was the huge dog who then appeared! We thought for one moment we were in some surreal dream.
Bill was 89 euros with drinks, wine (Rioja) and coffee.
Verdict: Undoubtedly a great setting, interesting decor and delicious food. Service was polite, friendly and efficient, but the owners, who were present, have to do something about the cats. I love them, but not when I'm eating!
