- Famous for its superb meat dishes, now that the heat is really setting in, we’re discovering its more casual and light-hearted side with its brand-new summer menú.
- Of course, the grill still features prominently in many of the recipes created by Cata Lupu, who has been at the helm of this national culinary institution for over 18 years.
- And the commitment to care, passion and top-quality produce is evident in every one of the new dishes: Smoked salad, crystal prawns with crispy sweet potato and a fried egg, Andalusian-style baby squid, Elia-style eggs with cod…
With July comes a summer menu at La Taberna de Elia (Vía de las Dos Castillas, 23. Pozuelo de Alarcón. Tel. 91 162 74 29), perfect for a light bite, inviting you to discover the more informal side of this meat-lovers’ paradise. Because when you fancy some good meat, this restaurant, led by Cata Lupu, is a true benchmark on the national scene – a fact underlined by its recent inclusion in the national selection of ‘Spain’s 100 best restaurants for under €100’ for its produce, regional focus and authenticity in the grilled meats section. But it’s also a sure-fire choice when you’re looking for something more casual and light, because Cata treats every ingredient she offers her loyal clientele with the same care and attention.
So, in recent months, alongside its exclusive meat menu — among the best in Europe — a fresher offering has appeared, featuring recipes that join the restaurant’s must-try dishes, such as its famous Ensaladilla Elia — addictive with a hint of pickles — or its carefully prepared Salmorejo Elia, a staple on every order as soon as the temperatures rise. Among the new additions, highlights include Elia’s patatas bravas, the crystal prawn with crispy sweet potato and a fried egg, Elia’s Eggs with cod (they also make them with ham), the Smoked Salad (grilled aubergine hummus, smoked sardines, sun-dried tomatoes and home-pickled mussels), the Andalusian-style baby squid and the Garlic prawns. The new additions are priced between €8.90 and €16.90 and are perfect for a light snack or as a starter before moving on to one of the cuts of meat – with at least eight different cuts to choose from; and, as is now a summer tradition, cuts of Spanish beef and ox are accompanied by a 10 per cent discount to make them even more enjoyable.
At La Taberna de Elia, you can also enjoy excellent fish and seafood, as well as a wide variety of vegetables that Cata masterfully grills – his nearly 19 years at the grill really show. For those who can’t decide, the Elia Set Menu, featuring all the classics, is the best option. It’s served for a minimum of two diners and includes two starters to share, a main course, dessert and coffee for €47.50 per person.
La Taberna de Elia is open from Tuesday to Sunday – on these two days for lunch only – and on all other days continuously from 12.00 to 01.30, as it’s also the perfect spot for an aperitif or a leisurely after-dinner chat. The restaurant features a cosy main dining room with seating for 40 guests, which also includes a semi-private area for celebrations and meetings. In addition to this space, there is a spacious glazed terrace with a retractable roof, designed as a natural extension of the restaurant and seating a further 40 people. During the summer months, when the weather is fine, around ten tables are also set up on the pavement outside – a particularly pleasant spot to enjoy summer evenings, with capacity for around 40 more diners. The average price depends very much on what you eat and drink — because its drinks menu is well worth a mention — but you can enjoy a light snack and a very good meal from €40. Closed for HOLIDAYS from 10 to 20 August.
Source: AIRES NEWS COMUNICACIÓN
