Asturias, a delicious discovery...What to eat and see?

This post is to invite you to take a few days and visit Asturias. It has so so much to offer! The landscapes and nature are present everywhere. The region is lucky enough to have withing a few minutes both the countryside and the coast. Between natural reserves the contrasting landscapes are seducing. The nature reflects on their food, you can find really good and fresh meat and fish from the coast. I made a route according to the days I had and want to share it with you! Of course, including what and where to eat and what I loved about the trip.

First I visited the pectacular Picos de Europa National Park. Once there, I visited Cangas de Onis where I tried the best fabada ever! at restaurant Molin de la Pedrera. After I visited Covadonga, a small village in the mountain full of history and sanctuary of the virgin la Santina from whom comes its name Covadonga or "Cavern of the Lady." Also head north to visit the Covadonga lakes.

Once in Picos de Europa you can visit Cabrales, where the famous blue cheese is made. There's even a museum explaining the traditional and modern process of producing this characteristic cheese. There are other cheeses besides the well known Cabrales. I encourage you to try the Afuega'l Pitu, my favorite from the region!!

Continuing the route I discover in a little town in Arriondas, a bit closer to heaven Casa Marcial where I had the cherry on the top before heading to the coast. In the coast I visited Ribadesella, Gijón, Cudillero and Ribadeo. Some of which I explained best with the pictures ;)

I hope you find this useful and that by the end of the post you are planning already your next trip to Asturias! Enjoy!

You'll find cider all over Asturias! I have to admit it didn't get to me...I didn't love it

Casa Marcial - Asturias

Casa Marcial is a precious restaurant very deserving of its 2 Michelin stars. The magic starts with the beautiful setting in La Salgar, Arriondas. Located up in a mountain you'll find an old kind of farmhouse full of family memories for the chef and owner Nacho Manzano. Manzano who is truly a world class cook reinvents classic local ingredients from Asturias and offers delicious and innovative dishes. I had the chance to try one of three menus they offer. They have a classic menu, a traditional one and a super delicacy one plus a la carte choices. I had the classic tasting menu for lunch, for €69 I had an amazing experience and extraordinary food. To that you have to add the correct and great recommendations for wine pairings of Juan Luis, the sommelier.

I really recommend you to visit the area, it's so so beautiful!  Really worth the ride, I feel so happy for this discovery and I plan to go back to Casa Marcial next time I'm around Asturias! Enjoy

Click here to read about what to see and eat around Asturias

and here it is! we finally found it...Casa Marcial

Restaurant Massana - Girona

A Michelin starred dinner for Valentine's? Yes!

Having a tasting menu dinner is one of the best experiences for me. Better yet if the restaurant has amazing food and a well deserved solid Michelin star. Massana's menu is a combination of flavors, ingredients and presentation than turns the dinner into a real experience. This restaurant is in Girona, a beautiful city in Catalonia, close to the spectacular beaches of Costa Brava. Even if you're not close enough to dine at Massana this 14th you can treat yourself and your loved one to a tasting menu dinner at a local restaurant!

The menu consists of seven tapitas, seven plates and two desserts. Overall the dishes were of high quality and the service careful. Massana follows to some extend the molecular trend of other top and starred restaurants in the area, with some deconstruction, foams, gelees... Chef Massana visited the dining floor a few times and stopped at some tables, a nice touch.  I don't have pictures of all the dishes included in the menu, but I do have some yummy ones. Enjoy!

Bloody Mary

Bombon helado de "clara" y cabello de angel de limon
This is a sorbet of clara, which is a drink mixing beer with lemon soda, and lemon angel hair on top