| If you are Iooking for a special but typically unique | | | | is no menu as such - just an interesting 5 course |
| "olde worlde" Spanish restaurant in a fantastic | | | | meal which follows much the same format every |
| location read on. So many Spanish restaurants | | | | day with slight variations. The only choice is with |
| have now lost what everyone expects of a | | | | the main course where you can have local |
| typical Spanish country restaurant - but not Verdi | | | | shoulder or leg of lamb usually with herbs and |
| Vent. | | | | honey from the surrounding mountains cooked in |
| It took the husband and wife team of Loretta | | | | the oven or the choice of one other excellent |
| and Stephane (who are German and Belgique | | | | main course dish which changes regularly. On your |
| respectively) to recognise this some 11 years ago | | | | table will be a bowel of peanuts in their shell plus |
| and who turned a 300 year old semi derelict | | | | large carafe/s of local Jalon red wine which get |
| Spanish farmhouse into probably the most | | | | automatically filled up by the attentive staff as |
| successful and memorable dining experience to be | | | | they empties - all included in the set price. |
| found anywhere on the Costa Blanca - and it | | | | Without wishing to spoil the enjoyment of |
| doesn't cost a fortune! | | | | experiencing this great value meal a typical meal |
| So come with me on one of the prettiest | | | | would be warm potato and herb salad with local |
| journeys of the Valencian Region to the Jalon | | | | rustic bread; a large terrine of superb home made |
| Valley and the small typically Spanish town of | | | | vegetable soup for you to serve yourself as |
| Jalon/Xalo (yes like many towns in the Valencia | | | | many times as you wish; an interesting mixed |
| area the town has 2 names - normal Spanish and | | | | salad and dressing which changes regularly; roast |
| the other Valenciano). From here take the | | | | shoulder of lamb in herbs with vegetables; crepe |
| scenically stunning twisty road in the direction of | | | | with a marmalade sauce and of course as much |
| the Bernia and its mountain range. The scenery is | | | | red wine as you want. To finish off there is a |
| quite breathtaking and the drop to one side a little | | | | complimentary glass of sweet Muscatel dessert |
| scary (if you choose to look over the edge!). | | | | wine also local. Coffee and mineral water extra. |
| After about 7 kilometers we arrive at the small | | | | This excellent meal will cost you just about 17 |
| hamlet of Maserof with just a few very old | | | | a head - really good value by anyone's standards. |
| properties - the first of which is now a country | | | | But before we leave another lovely touch that |
| museum (whose history is a fascinating story in | | | | adds to the atmosphere - an excellent Spanish |
| its own right - perhaps I will tell you about it | | | | singing guitar duo originating from Colombia who |
| another day). This area is rural with a capital R. No | | | | wander the restaurant playing and singing a wide |
| mains water or electricity. But don't be put off! | | | | range of Spanish music (and taking requests). |
| Almost next door you might pass this building by | | | | If you are looking for a plush, swish, modern |
| without a second look as apart from a small | | | | restaurant, then this is not for you. However if |
| insignificant sign saying "Verd i Vent" it looks a bit | | | | what you what is excellent, quality rustic food and |
| like a very old not very inviting farmhouse. Park in | | | | wine in surroundings that will take you back a |
| front of the building avoiding the rocks and climb | | | | century or two then this is the place of you. |
| the steep steps with a chain hand rail and enter | | | | Home made produce is for sale and local artists |
| through a rather flimsy doorway. You are | | | | display their works of art for sale. |
| immediately transported back in time. This | | | | Open all year just for lunch times. Closed |
| converted goat farmhouse retains many of its | | | | Tuesdays. This year they are also for the first |
| original features. Once your eyes become | | | | time opening some evenings in July and August. |
| accustomed to the gloom there are barrels of | | | | Verdi Vent is just inland of Javea, Moraira, Calpe |
| wine; exposed stone walls; barrels supported on | | | | and Denia. The area is excellent for walking or |
| beams sticking out of the wall presumably in time | | | | just taking in the views; an interesting donkey |
| gone by for storing wine and olive oil; hooks in the | | | | sanctuary is nearby with many rare donkey |
| old walls for tethering animals; an open log fire in | | | | breeds; the Country Museum is almost next door; |
| the cooler months with a small cauldron of warm | | | | on Saturdays the famous rastro market is spread |
| potato and herb salad; original hand made | | | | along the river bank at nearby Jalon down below. |
| terracotta stone floors; a minstrel's gallery where | | | | This restaurant is a must for anyone visiting this |
| the farmer and his family slept. It takes you back | | | | part. |
| decades and you wonder how life was then... | | | | Costs for the all inclusive meal around 17. Book |
| Having been warmly welcomed by Loretta and | | | | early to reserve a table (and only have a small |
| shown to your table in one of the several | | | | breakfast before going!). |
| distinctly individual dining rooms you will find there | | | | Telephone number (+34) 96 597 3413. |