A Cosy Retreat with Fresh Flavours and Warm Hospitality
At the edge of Valldoreix opposite the fishmongers and Condis, is a brand-new vegetarian caférestaurant, opened by Anna and Katia. A real treat for the neighbours and only a short car journey with easy parking for the rest of us. It offers a pleasant culinary experience and after enjoying a filling three course lunchtime set menu, I had no need for supper. Anna and Katia are true professionals. They know customer service. They know their ingredients and food. And they combine all of these with aplomb. Previously they ran the Kombu restaurant up near the old market which by all accounts was very successful. This goes a step further, thanks to the additional space, offering room for kids, pets and yoga! Outside there is lots of room and inside it is a cosy cottage-style interior, freshly painted in white and cream, with hard benches and chairs that are made comfortable with soft cushions. From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel welcome despite the staff being rushed off their feet and we were treated as though we were like special guests. I felt privileged then realised, everyone had the same nice warm and friendly treatment. The place was bustling, but the atmosphere was relaxed, with no rush to order, allowing us to fully enjoy our long lunch. The menu is focused, with choices only on the main course and dessert. For starters we had mushroom soup.
It was thick, creamy and delicious. For the main, it was either a tofu and aubergine stew served with quinoa or a chickpea and spinach timbal with rice. Both were beautifully presented, filling and delicious. The tofu stew was slightly spicy, with a nutty undertone. The chickpea timbal brought back memories of Marrakech with its earthy, aromatic spices and satisfying texture. Both dishes were accompanied by a tasty beetroot, lettuce and carrot salad dressed in a subtle vinaigrette.
Another highlight was the currified deep-fried pumpkin pieces. For dessert we had a choice of three dishes: a rich dark chocolate treat, a lighter option of kefir and mango or an apple compote. The chocolate was very satisfying and surprisingly healthy tasting. I have no doubt it was all organic, natural chocolate with no added sugar or artificial flavours. The kefir and mango was the “sorbet” choice and I would like to have tried the apple compote.
The pricing is straightforward and reasonable for the quality and quantity: a main course is 14.50€, two courses for 16.50€, and a full three-course meal including a large glass of organic wine (or alternative) at 19.50€. This set menu approach makes for an uncomplicated dining experience. This is a charming addition to what looks like an upand-coming Valldoreix. I would not have gone was it not for undertaking this exercise, especially given its location and that I don’t normally choose vegetarian restaurants. But I am now converted. After enjoying Restaurant Greta in Mercantic, from now on I will be open-minded and proactively choose vegetarian restaurants in future benefiting body, soul and of course the environment. Open every day for breakfast and lunch. Tel:932 80 99 06
