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... the Michelin
man has been to Town. By Gerry Steer. There are many places in Almuñécar
and its environs where one can eat well, but for sheer quality and ambiance
El Chaleco must rate among the best. Returning from their vacation, Lydia and Renaud, together with their extremely charming waitress Carmen, made me feel as though I was visiting friends, rather than a restaurant for they do seem to have that ability of making every customer feel "special" even if you are not. Renaud is a fine chef and certainly knows his way around the kitchen. He not only feeds the inner person, but also the eye. Presentation is first-class which together with the napery and china makes El Chaleco a restaurant of style and class. The food is certainly good, Renaud, having cooked for King Albert of the Belgians (and one or two other queens that I know), serves imaginative and interesting dishes all with his own special touch. With my guest, I enjoyed the warm mussel salad served wiht a light dressing while my guest had the fricassée of mushrooms and tomato, both excellent. I followed with a pork fillet in a wine and cream sauce while the other main request was the chicken breast served with a wine sauce with just the merest hint of curry, which she raved over. Pudding is always, for me at least, a toss-up between the banana with raisins and a hot sauce or the terribly lethal chocolate mousse with the latter usually winning. It is a concoction of delicious Belgian chocolate with a generous swirl of cream and a splash of Grand Marnier, difficult to resist, so I don't. At htis point Lydia suggested we try the latest innovation, the Cafe Chaleco. We did... When it arrived I had second thoughts, although not lasting long. A glass with some good coffee half way up the glass and then topped with mocca cream, it just about finished us off, but was too good to leave one drop. With the food we had a bottle of Conde de Caralt, a light not over-dry white, served really well chilled and the ideal partner for the chosen dishes. In all, El Chaleco is the place to go for that special occasion and even when simply wanting to spoil oneself. Whilst the menu may not appear to be overly extensive you may be sure that what is offered will be cooked solely for you and the choice is varied for, apart from the carte, there is a daily suggestion which is often very special, for exemple, as a starter, we were offered huge prawns in a picante sauce and the salmon and spinach tart is something to die for, but at the bottom line it is your choice, and I am sure that you will not be disappointed, but absolutely delighted and for the experienced gourmet it is ideal. Now recognised by the prestigious Michelin Guide it is best to make sure that you book in advance as the tale is now out and, unlike most tales in Almuñécar, not exaggerated.
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