01 August 08

Taste Test

Taste Test

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	Our food editor takes a peek at the hottest tables around the Ryanair network
By Sejal Sukhadwala

Girona, Spain
Castell d’Emporda

This acclaimed restaurant is nestled inside an enchanting 14th-century gothic castle that’s now a luxury hotel. The restaurant features seriously impressive dishes like a Basque T-bone steak with roast potatoes, red peppers and chillies, and a Catalan-style baked monkfish. The hotel, which is set among 12 hectares of grounds, also offers a full gastronomy package. Definitely worth a visit.
TWO-COURSE DINNER WITH A GLASS OF WINE, €45. LA BISBAL. TEL: +34 972 646 254, WWW.CASTELLDEMPORDA.COM

London, UK
Vapiano

How often have you had a perfectly good meal ruined by bad service? Worry no more, as this new Mediterranean eatery, originally from Germany, has done away with the waiting staff. Simply order pizza, pasta, antipasti, salads and desserts using your swipe card, then pay when you’re ready to go. With its stylish canteen looks and delicious food, Vapiano is a winner. And staff do clear the tables!
TWO-COURSE MEAL WITH A GLASS OF WINE, APPROX €20. 19–21 GREAT PORTLAND ST. TEL: +44 (0)20 7268 0080, WWW.VAPIANO.CO.UK

Almeria, Spain
El Mar La Mar

It’s apt that this idyllic restaurant is named after Spanish writer Alberti’s poem of the same name. Cradled in the fishing village of Villaricos at the foot of the Sierra Almagrera, its surroundings are punctuated by sand and pebble beaches, a picturesque promenade and tropical-style gardens. There are several indoor and outdoor dining areas, including covered terraces and a glazed gallery. From a menu studded with simply prepared seafood and barbecue dishes, start with tapas and raciones (bigger plates), then move on to the signature soupy rice with lobster, or local speciality griddled John Dory with fried head and tail. El Mar La Mar feels not so much a restaurant, as a way of life.
TWO-COURSE MEAL WITH A GLASS OF WINE, €17. TEL: +34 950 467 030, WWW.ELMARLAMAR.COM

Pizzafest 2008
Naples, Italy

Justly proud of its reputation as a city that offers the world’s best pizza, Naples celebrates each year with the planet’s biggest pizza festival. It features street vendors, pizzerias, pizzamaking demonstrations, live entertainment, competitions and chefs from all over the world on 11–21 September.
WWW.PIZZAFEST.INFO