Welcome to a taste of Cádiz, Andalucia, Spain: May 2019

Cádiz is a port in Andalucía, Southern Spain known as ‘the silver teacup’ and it’s generally considered to be the oldest continually inhabited city in Europe. Now well into its fourth millennium, the ancient centre is surrounded almost entirely by water, which makes it stunningly picturesque and full of charm.

Restaurant Café Royalty is located on Plaza de la Candelaria, Cadiz 

Steve and I first visited Cádiz one year ago and we were very keen to return to some of our favourite places and discover new ones like Restaurant Cafe Royalty above where we enjoyed fine dining style tapas from this delicious menu which was excellent value at 22 euros per person.

Plaza de la Candelaria is a very beautiful quiet square in Cadiz where Codigo de Barra, another fine dining restaurant is also located. Having enjoyed a meal here last year we were making a return visit to celebrate Steve’s birthday.

Codigo de Barra serve their unique olive ‘surprise’ for the first course 

Followed by a dish representing the origin of tapas – a slice of Iberian ham on top of a sherry glass of consommé

The 3rd course was their quirky take on the traditional shrimp fritters

Toasted brioche, cured egg yolk and marinated sardines for the 4th course

Followed by garlic prawns with dry sherry

Roast lamb with vegetables in a lavender sauce for the 6th course

French toast with Thyme ice cream completed another outstanding meal at Codigo de barra 

Roast lamb with vegeatbles in a lavender sauce

with Thyme ice cream

We enjoyed tapas for lunch with sumptuous fresh oysters most days at our favourite bar Taberna La Bombilla near the central market in Cadiz. An ideal location for people -watching with good food, beer, and service at very reasonable prices. 

Just one of the fabulous stalls which surround the fish market in the centre of Cadiz

The highlight of our trip to Cadiz this time was a visit to a Flamenco Tavern, which was a totally authentic, mesmeric and entrancing experience.

A Cambridge institution, Afternoon tea at Fitzbillies January 2016

Fitzbillies old-school bakery and cafe in Trumpington Street

This week a friend and I enjoyed a classic Afternoon Tea at a Cambridge institution to start this New Year off in fine style. Fitzbillies is an old-school bakery and cafe which is famous for it’s sticky Chelsea Buns, made and sold on the premises since 1921.

Fitzbillies famously sticky Chelsea Buns

Inside the decor has a retro feel and …..

a lovely warm ambiance

I loved the stylish lights……

which gave a mellow glow

The service was prompt and friendly, and although it was busy there was no wait for a table

Conveniently served from 12 noon, we had the Afternoon Tea in place of lunch

We enjoyed a traditional Afternoon Tea, which was beautifully presented on the classic three-tiered stand with a pot of tea from a selection available

I loved the top tier of delicious mini-cakes

The sweet treats were very moreish!

Fitzbillies has a classic and distinctive Art Nouveau frontage and ….

serves traditional pastries with artisan coffee and East Anglian fare

The Fitzbillies Afternoon Tea consisted of a tier of white and brown freshly-made finger sandwiches with fillings of egg mayonnaise, smoked salmon and cream cheese, ham and whole-grain mustard, and cheese and chutney. This was followed by a fruit scone with home-made jam and clotted cream, and a selection of mini-cakes. It was served with a pot of tea from a variety available, and we were offered a second brew free of charge. My only slight criticism was that the scone was served cold, and a bit dry for my taste. At £18 per person it’s great value, especially if like us you have the Afternoon Tea as a meal substitute.

Granny Apples says  – Fitzbillies is possibly the best cafe in Cambridge for a quality Afternoon Tea in lovely surroundings, with prompt and friendly service. Highly recommended.

Fitzbillies

51-52 Trumpington Street

Cambridge

CB2 1RG

Tel: 01223 352500

http://www.fitzbillies.com