It has already been a year since we last visited Casa Piolas. back then, we were pleasantly surprised in every sense of the word.
The restaurant is hidden in a small street near a small square in Algarinejo, a village in the heart of Andalusia, an hour’s drive from our Cortijo.
But behind the walls of this simple facade a true spectacle unfolds.
The chef
Chef José Caracuel, who has run the restaurant for over 20 years, knows how to combine tradition and creativity like no other. He works exclusively with local products which he presents in a very original way. His dishes are a true delight to the eye and to the taste buds.
The formula
And to our surprise, he has slightly changed his formula to give his guests a more exclusive experience. This time we’ll go for the ‘full option’ and choose the tasting menu with pairing wines. The aperitif and accompanying snacks are served in a separate room adjoining the kitchen and the chef prepares them à la minute and comments on his actions with the necessary Spanish passion.
Aperitif
We start with a Fino from Montilla and a Vermouth, both from the region, accompanied by a series of olives in all shapes and flavors. He explains that he is interested in the true flavors of the olives, which are still the main product of this region. Most people literally throw a jar of olives into a bowl and gobble them down. This is not the way to enjoy food. That is why Chef José prepares each olive separately and attaches a story to them.
His ‘pièce de résistance’ is the ‘Rita Hayworth’ skewer, because according to him it imitates the shapes of the American actress (who is Spanish in origin he also tells us). The skewer has to be eaten in two stages, first the spicier, salty part and then the softer, sweeter to temper the flavors.
Entrées
The first starter is also presented in the kitchen. Flambéed legs of frog. He used to catch them himself as a child in the river and they were often found on the menu in the region. In recent years though, they have vanished alsmost completely for ecological reasons. However, The chef wants to reintroduce the dish with respect for the product and he prepares it for us with lots of love.
Main courses
After the snacks and the starter we are professionally escorted to the restaurant where a table has been prepared for us. What follows is a succession of beautiful, exquisite dishes that caress the eye and tongue, all paired with tasteful white and red wines to complete the experience.
All dishes are also presented with the necessary professional comments from our Argentinean waitress. She’s from Buenos Aires but ended up in Algarinejo for love. With her soft South American Spanish accent she brings every dish to life.
This is what is so charming about Casa Piolas. You get a Michelin star cuisine, but with a cozy, homely and warm Spanish charm. The perfect combination.
Finally
To top it all off we end with a nice coffee and the obligatory ‘chupito’.
We’re glad to have come and promise ourselves that we will not wait another year for the next visit.
We say thank you and see you soon !
Would you also like to be pampered, do not hesitate and book your seats online.