January is almost over so this might be a little late but it’s at least better than never.
I was privileged enough to get to visit quite a few restaurants last year, both in Spain and in South Africa. Some with friends or family and some solo. I thought I share some of my favourites with you, places that I will, and others I can only dream of, visiting agan in 2025.
January.
Parada del Mar in Cala Mayor is a bit of a hidden gem, it doesn’t look like much from the outside but… Here you pick your fish and sea food from the counter and then the chefs prepare it for you. It’s always packed with locals and that’s always a good sign.
February- April
Last year my mum came to stay for a longer period of time, I had planned a trip to South Africa and she was kind enough to look after my little cat (and escape the swedish winter). She stayed a few weeks before and after my trip as well and we got to visit a few of our favourite places.
Japó, the gyozas, the octopus balls, the sushi.. It’s all full of flavour and served in a beautiful way. My photos are not ding them justice, you’ll have to go try for yourself. 🙂
Stagier. This place is run by a couple and they do it so well. The food is delish, the service and dining room perfect yet relaxed.
I made it to South Africa. I’d never been before and even though I traveled a lot in my 20-30ies it has now been a while since I went on a longer trip. I found so much inspiration. Not just in food but also in museums and in nature.
Freediving with seals in the Atlantic is one of my best experiences in life. Even the sun was reflecting the love I felt.
Belly of the Beast in cape Town was food wise very inspiring. The unexpected flavour combos, the small little additions that elevated the whole dish… Such attention to detail. I loved every single plate that was put in front of me.
I then got in my little rental car and drove up to Franchoek, the wine country. The whole way I kept thinking to the left to the left, like a mantra to stay on the right…no, left side of the road. The wine train took me around to the different vineyards.
One evening I had dinner at JAN’s at the La Motte vineyard. It was such a beautiful experience. A volkswagen took us to a cabin in the middle of a lavender field. As the sun set we washed our hands with water from a jug over an old washbasin. Inside, we were transported to a different world. The ceiling covered in hanging dried flowers, the coffee kettle by the fire scenting the room, a long table set up in the most beautiful manner. Crochet, silver, flowers and candles.
I met lovely people and the food was stunning. Most people had booked months in advance to get to be there. Me, since traveling alone had been lucky enough to just a week or so before score the last empty seat. I can not recommend this place enough.
At Babylonstoren I steppen in to yet another worlds. At their restaurant Babel the food was beautiful inside and out. I love being able to see the creative soul of the restaurant so clearly in different places. This place was all about freshness and produce, all the ingredients come from their own gardens.
The fourth food related experience in SA that filled me with joy and inspiration was a visit to Veld & Sea. We started the day on the beach foraging mussels and sea weed. Tbh I might have gotten caught up eating urchins I found in the rock pools. I used a shell for a spoon and with the waves crushing in and the urchin roe in my mouth I felt I was in heaven. Later we went back to their hq where a beautiful lunch experience awaited. I learnt so much, met beautiful people and again, the food….amazing. Read more about my experience at Veld & Sea here.
May
Well home again and recovered from a scheduled surgery spring was in the air. Patiki had opened and I really hope this cauliflower makes it back on their menu again! Patiki is right on the beach in Soller, just around the corner from mine. I love popping in here for a treat on a rare day off, after a swim or a paddle.
June- September
The rest of summer is more about work than anything else. On my days off I keep it simple, sallads or fruit on the beach. I usually go to one of the calas in the Tramuntanas.
In October I went to Bilbao to see my favourite artist Hilma af Klint at the Guggenheim. You know that feeling of awe you can get from a beautiful view or a perfect piece of music, I felt that through the whole exhibition.
After I had a mind-blowing lunch at Azurmendi. I literally ate a whole in my wallet but the experience filled my brain with inspiration and ideas as well as my heart with love to the brim so it was well worth it.
November
Then autumn came and with that visits. One of my best friends went to Barcelona with her family for school holidays and I popped over for lunch. When living in Mallorca you get a good discount on tickets to the mainland.
Then another of my closest came to visit me. We both love food, hiking etc etc which makes it’s so easy to have her around. My plates had just been taken out of the kiln so we premiered them with black pepper tofu, a grey day favourite.
In December my mum was finally back on the island again. It was her birthday and my aunties had gifted her with an experience. We went to Fera and it was absolutely lovely.
2024 just flew by, it was really the fastest year so far. Ihop these recommendations can come in useful for others you are after amazing food in Mallorca, Bilbao or Cape Town. Do you have any special food memories from 2024?
Going through these pictures I’ve felt the inspiration starting to spire again. Just in time for creating my new sample menus for 2025.
