Shopping, well in the main, its tourist souvenirs, theres some boutique shopping in old alcudia and down futher in muro - a new shopping complex, but for the rest, not anything you really need or want.
So, not really the sort of resort that would suit an older childless couple?
However, Palma is just 1.5hrs from Gatwick, and my favourite restaurant in the world, just one hour away from Palma. Rancho Chico's (the name doesnt nearly do the restaurant justice) is set on the edge of the hotel area of Alcudia. You have to know its there, to find it. Its popular with locals, ex pats, and tourists who have tracked it down via Trip Adviser - it has a very high rating.
Entrance to the restaurant is through an arch of green hedge, which opens out to a tiny courtyard, with a seating capacity of approx 10 tables. Booking is advised as its very popular and gets filled quickly. The little courtyard is surrounded by hedges and planting of roses and verbena, whilst overhead hang grapes and olives from the terrace pergolas. Gently background music, sometimes jazz adds to the ambiance, but doesnt intrude. Its the perfect setting to while away a couple of hours, talk, and relax.
The restaurants owner Jose, is welcoming, and greets us like long time friends. When Im here, like EPM, I feel instantly at home, that I can relax and know Jose will take care of us.
The food. The food is excellent quality and fresh. Kevin experiments with some of the more adventurous dishes, like Lamb Frito - a sort of this stew made from lambs intestines (!) - I like the lamb chops. Perfectly grilled on the outdoor swinging bbq, served for me with a simple salad or tomatoes and onion. And being English, Jose knows I like my lamb with mint! Lol!
Its the small touches, a basket of fresh warm crusty bread, served with the most garlicky aioli and the best olives Ive ever eaten to start. Fresh cut iberico ham, shaved wafer thin mounded over perfectly ripe melon, delicious home made deserts, including the wonderful cheese pudding and the perfectly zingly refreshing lemon ice with vodka! Yum.
And the wines! Oh the wines. Jose has picked wines for us over the years that we've loved. Local Mallorcan reds, rich and deep. Wines to be sipped and savoured. Wines, that I remember from one three year vist to the next.
We finish our meal with brandy, baileys and coffee, then leave sated till the next time.
So thats why we love alcudia. Not the beaches, not the shopping, not the hotel, thats just a means to get to Rancho Chicos. We love it because of this restaurant, and every couple of years, we feel the need to go see Jose. 😉
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