Unfortunately Keith was ill last night with an upset tummy and we really hoped it hadn't been the lunch he'd had at Tannat. We therefore had a slow start to the day but by mid-morning he felt OK to venture out to another of our favourite haunts - the beautiful small resort of Cala San Vicente.
We had stayed here when Sophie was about two and spent a fortnight in a rambling old villa that was a death trap for a toddler! We never let our daughter out of our sight as there were several flights of hard stone steps, one of which led to a musty basement, as well as a drop from a low window in the living room right into the pool. However, it had been a lovely holiday and we'd enjoyed exploring the resort and spending time on the beach where the sea was aquamarine and the towering cliffs never failed to impress.
It was a short drive and we went past La Moraleja hotel which used to have fabulous sports cars in the reception area. They looked to be all gone and as we drove past I hoped it hadn't closed down?
The road goes past several other hotels, bars and restaurants and once you're around the headland you can see Cala Molins below and the towering cliffs that dominate the beach.
Along here there used to be several shops selling beach items, postcards and cold drinks but it looked like they had all closed down, which was a real shame. We passed the small Bar Mallorca and parked next door. Opposite was a block of apartments but underneath there used to be a restaurant where we once met our neighbours, Gill and Tim when their daughter Phoebe, was just a baby.
The clouds were clearing away and the sun was out but the sea looked very rough, with the red warning flag flying above the beach. There were a few people dotted about sunbathing but nobody in the sea at all!
We strolled about and I told the children there was a path that ran all the way to Puerto Pollensa. We had once attempted it with a pushchair but gave up as it was too rocky! Not a lot had changed here, which was a relief, and the Bar Mallorca looked just the same as it always did.
Two restaurants opposite were still in business - La Tasca and Pepe's Bar but some of the others had disappeared, including L'Alba where we met Gill and Tim. We walked over to the Bar Mallorca and ordered some drinks whilst admiring the stunning view.
The sun had come out properly and the sun was a beautiful shade of blue. Several cyclists arrived looking very pleased with themselves and hung their bikes on a special rail outside.
The building next to the Bar Mallorca was in the process of being renovated, but no work was being carried out. I should imagine it takes place during the quieter winter months. We sat for a while enjoying the views and the sunshine and then had a quick drive around the resort, stopping to say hello to the villa we stayed in years ago. Before leaving we checked out the La Moraleja hotel to find it open but the cars were definitely gone. I have always wanted to stay there so maybe one day I will!
We drove back to the villa and had lunch of pizza, crisps and salad. We're not here for a long time and I wanted to start using up the shopping we'd bought the other day!
Later in the afternoon we walked up to the square and had a quick drink before Sophie and I went to do some shopping in a lovely place that sold incense sticks, jewellery, bags and all manner of trinkets and ornaments with a distinctly Indian feel. Sophie found a ring she loved and which seemed to shine with different hues of blue and green. It was beautiful. As a little joke I bought Keith some incense sticks as he's mad about them, and a holder for a birthday present tomorrow. I'll get him a proper gift when we get home!
Keith and Mike had returned to the house so we checked out Cantonet for a meal this evening but they were closed. The supermarket nearby was also closed which was a pain as we needed some water and bread, but it looked like they were shut for a siesta. There was a sleepy, quiet feel to the town and it was great to wander about and soak up the sights and smells!
As a treat. Sophie bought us an ice-cream each from a little place near the Monkey Bar and they were delicious!
The bells ring out...
Back at the house we relaxed by the pool until it was time to get ready. Tonight we decided to have a drink at La Scalinatta again because I really love this area at the bottom of the steps. Sophie and Mike went to book a table at Cantonet and we ordered our drinks. I treated myself to a small bottle of Cava while Sophie had a large glass of Sangria.
Although this is a quieter part of the town, there were still lots of people walking past and cars driving along the very narrow road. As we were sitting there, the bells began to ring out and it was lovely to hear them and was really atmospheric. I imagined what it must be like to live in Pollenca!
After a couple of drinks we walked the short distance to Cantonet and I am convinced it's where the restaurant El Temple used to be. We were sat in the courtyard garden, a really pretty place with white walls, bright paintings, lots of green foliage and small lanterns. It was very dimly lit and extremely romantic!
It was so dimly lit we could barely read the menu and a woman opposite was using her phone to make out the writing! We started off with a very rustic bread with olives and aioli and I ordered a bottle of Macia Batle Crianza that the four of us shared.
Mike and Sophie shared a starter of beef carpaccio, Keith had parma ham with melon while I opted for the goats cheese salad which was huge! Ironically, Keith had this starter back in 2006 when we last ate here! How weird is that!
The restaurant was busy with diners of different nationalities - Spanish, British and German - and there was a great atmosphere in the pretty outside area. For our main courses, Sophie went with the classic dish of ravioli stuffed with Mallorcan sobrasada, Mike and I chose the chicken stuffed with the same spicy sausage and Keith opted for rabbit, one of his favourites. I thought our meal was very rich with maybe too much cream smothered over the top but it was tasty nonetheless. Sophie was a trifle disappointed with her ravioli, of which there were just five...
We managed to find some space for dessert. I couldn't resist the panna cotta which was truly delicious, Sophie had tiramisu, Keith chose the cheesecake and Mike went for a gooey chocolate cake. We were stuffed!
The three courses with wine, bread and water came to a reasonable 150 euros, just 4 euros more than our last meal back in 2006!
We walked back through the dark streets and I joked to Sophie that it was like the narrow alleyways in Don't Look Now which was filmed in Venice. I expected to see a little red coated figure disappearing into the distance at any minute!
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