#GastrologyInMadrid - Ana La Santa, the place to be on Plaza Santa Ana

Ana La Santa features highest quality products and familiar recipes prepared with a distinctive and very innovative flair. 

The venue fits its location in the beautiful Plaza Santa Ana  with familiar spaces, such as the lounge at home, the bar on the corner, your favourite restaurant and a refreshing garden - all of which come together to create the most welcoming restaurant.

We loved the traditional as well as their new-style tapas inspired by flavours from around the world. 

Not to be missed are their seafood dishes (of which we enjoyed a number). 

Our favourite seasfood dish was the squid served with its own ink and basmati rice. A lovely dish that was highlighted by the tender squid which captivated with it’s delightfully salinity courtesy of being made cooked in squid ink. The accompanying basmati rice was fluffy and acted as a great canvas for the flavours of the squid.

Cosmopolitan and elegant, Ana La Santa captivates with its Modern Mediterranean cuisine within comfortable surrounds.

Location: Madrid, España (Hotel ME), Plaza de Santa Ana 14, 28012 Madrid

Phone: +34 917 016 013

Link: http://encompaniadelobos.com/en/anaMadrid.html

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Spanish

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Ana La Santa.

#GastrologyInMadrid - Bosco de Lobos - An inviting Madrid terrace

Hidden in a garden encased by glass, Bosco de Lobos is the best way to experience the hustle and bustle of Madrid’s vibrant food scene serenely.

The space is divided into several sections: an imposing central bar, a dining-library (which looks like something out of a magazine) and an open terrace. 

The menu features Mediterranean-influenced cuisine and boasts a selection of tapas, pizzas, pasta, risottos, and heartier mains and fun desserts.

Grilled scallops with herb bread

This excellent starter was a dish of complex but well balanced flavours.  The scallops were perfectly seared and bursting with natural flavour, a flavour further enhanced by the subtle savouriness of the herb bread crust.

Crispy squid with lime

The deep fried pieces of succulent squid were coated in a semi-thick crisp batter that encapsulated firm, sweet flesh. 

White fish carpaccio with ginger and green chili

The white fish carpaccio was beautifully presented and tasted even better than it looked. It was a wonderful mélange of different textures, natural sweetness and acidity. The fresh cured slices were embellished with pockets of ginger and green chili while herbs added the final touch to an enlivening combination of ingredients.

Beef tagliata with rustic potatoes

The succulent (and very generous piece of) steak was well cooked with the adorning strip of fat providing an additional indulgent burst of flavour. The rustic potatoes were flavoursome and went well to complete this hearty dish.

Palangre hake with sautéed green vegetables

A dish of complex but well balanced flavours, the Palangre hake was perfectly cooked and bursting with natural flavour. The beautifully cooked vegetables and use of interesting herbs and spices introduced further layers of complexity.  It was a magnificent dish.

A restaurant of architectural splendour, Bosco de Lobos is a restaurant which is both pleasing to the eyes and palate.

Location: Architecture School, Hortaleza 63, 28004 Madrid

Phone: +34 915 249 464

Link: http://encompaniadelobos.com/boscoMadrid.html

Cuisine: Spanish, Mediterranean, Italian

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Bosco de Lobos.

A weekend away @ Lindenderry, Red Hill

A premium boutique accommodation property located in the heart of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Lindenderry at Red Hill, is the perfect destination for a weekend away.

The Property

The property features an onsite winery producing award winning wines, cellar door and restaurant which showcases local produce.

We also enjoyed their heated indoor pool as well as a relaxing hour long massage by their talented masseurs.  

The property is full of quaint nooks and crannies filled with artwork and sculptures...

The room

We loved staying in one of their Garden Wing rooms.

Professionally styled, the room reflected and suited the estate’s setting and location, reminiscent of the English countryside. 

Extra spacious, with a king size bed, en suite with shower and spa bath, DVD/CD player, flat screen television, complimentary Wi-Fi , desk and sofa area, guest robes and slippers.

The Garden rooms have direct access out to the terrace and manicured lawns, with views overlooking the park-like gardens down to the lake.

The lounges

Guests are encouraged to relax in the many welcoming lounges, home to carefully curated antiques, artefacts and sculptures. 

The gardens

We enjoyed stepping outside and into 30 acres of immaculately kept gardens...

Dinner @ Linden Tree

One of our biggest highlights from our weeekend in Lindenderry was Linden Tree. 

The restaurant offers diners an intimate setting, surrounded by tall trees with magnificent views out onto the Lindenderry Estate vineyards and rolling hills of Red Hill. 

Raw Ama Ebi, Kingfish, ice plant, salad Burnett, yuzu, pickled shallots, prawn emulsion

We were impressed by Head Chef Michael Greenlaw (previously of Vue de Monde and Number 8)’s innovative and seasonal menu which brings to light local produce accompanied by award winning wines. 

The unparalleled hospitality provided, and congenial atmosphere created are mere bonuses. 

Smoked Victorian Eel, jamón,  wild herbs and honey

The menu at Linden Tree is fresh and novel, consisting of a list of ingredients rather than a selection of dishes. We were spoilt with a degustation with matching wines curated by Greenlaw.

Lamb belly, pine nut puree, river mint croquette, salt bush

Our meal began with a number of inspiring dishes. We loved the Japanese-inspired dish of Raw Ama Ebi, Kingfish and ice plant. The dish was deliciously bold in flavour. The smoked eel on the other hand was a clever and well-constructed dish while the Lamb Belly was absolutely mouth watering with its crispy skin and melt-in-your-mouth layer of tender meat.

Pork cheek confit, lightly poached melon sauce, pickled almond, savoury 

The Pork cheek confit was outstanding. Delicately sweet lightly poached melon nicely complemented the pork’s meatiness. The condensed sauce that accompanied the tender pork cheek was mouth-wateringly rich. It was a brilliant amalgamation of flavours. 

Pannacotta, honeycomb, dried fruits

The dessert was similarly well devised.  This was a texturally perfect rendition of the pannacotta. Silky smooth - just barely holding its shape, it was quivering on the plate. 

The daring flavour combinations at Linden Tree will definitely excite the palate and leave you wanting more. With remarkable food, exceptional service and a touch of countryside charm, Linden Tree ticks all the boxes and is more than capable of providing each diner with a memorable dining experience.

Breakfast

12 hours later we returned to the dining room, this time for breakfast which comprises an array of delightful breakfast essentials and treats (all included as part of your stay). 

During daylight hours, the picturesque outlook and its leafy surrounds is visible through the large windows encasing the dining room. 

These large windows allow warm sunlight to flood in, adding tremendously to the atmosphere. 

Just an hour drive from the Melbourne CBD Lindenderry at Red Hill is a magical home away from home.

Location: 142 Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill, Red Hill

Phone: (03) 5989 2933

Link: http://www.lancemore.com.au/lindenderry





 

#GastrologyInBurgundy - A Chateau in the heart of rural Burgundy

Located on the banks of the Burgundy Canal, between Dijon and Beaune, Château Sainte Sabine preserves the authenticity of the chateau.

Flowers, morning dew, and birdsong combine to create a calm, soothing atmosphere in all the hotel’s rooms and suites.

We thoroughly enjoyed our 5 days at the chateau particularly the strolls in their heavenly garden.

And while you’re there, pay a visit to their charming restaurant which enjoys panoramic views over the surrounding valleys and the medieval village of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois.

Location: RD 970 Sainte Sabine, D970, 21320 Pouilly-en-Auxois, France

Phone: +33 1 69 47 00 65

Link: http://www.saintesabine.com/