Nerja and Malaga and a bit of a rant about self catering

From Seville train to Malaga and bus to Nerja just for the night, went to all our usual haunts, hit about 9 or 10 bars, Pepe Moles best food as always, great welcome in Rincon de Sabor and Los Barillas, like being at home, the three Spanish Troubadours played in Barillas along with the great cheese tapas made it a highpoint.

Back to Malaga the next morning, dropped bags off went for a stroll, bit of shopping and some great food.  Had nothing bad but as always  Cortido de Pepe was a highlight, surprisingly quiet and Tapas de Cervantes, possibly even better than it's usual "favourite tapas bar in the whole world" label - again a friendly welcome back from the owner and great recommendations.  Had a glass in La Tranca to finish - absolutely rammed, great atmosphere.

<RANT>
Self Catering - do this a lot, especially, Oz, Spain and USA, I love cooking and am happy to do it on my hols - however there should be a minimum set of things, some which I didn't get in Seville:

Salt
Pepper or chilli

oil of some sort, preferably olive
vinegar - unless citrus fruits grow abundantly

frying pan
couple of pans with lids
wooden spoon
reasonable sharp knife
chopping board

A few staples wouldn't go amiss - pasta, rice, tea, coffee

Most places I go to have most of these, but I to buy salt, a knife and oil last week, not expensive (all told less than €3) and I left them all for next visitor, but I think there should be an acceptable minimum
</RANT>

Seville 2

Went out with Mr and Mr K lat night to Bodega on Alfalfa square, had a couple of bottles of Ramon Bilbao, surito, barenjas, solomillo, salmonitas loved it all, lads had massive G&Ts to start, then a couple more drinks atLas Teresas with Jamon y queso.

Went for a good walk today into Triana, good market, lovely shops, quick beer in a place that gave free gambas - result! then had lunch in E Morales in city centre - espinaches y garbanzos, albondigas, ensalada russ and pimientos y atun with good beers and wines.  Making chicken fajitas in flat tonight

intermission - Belfast

Mentioned going to Belfast last week, did so, good beers, ate in Mourne Seafood Bar, as we went in at 6 on a Saturday in October did not bother making a reservation, only got away with it, as there was a cancellation!  Pints out were good, bit Belfast can be a bit messy, would not like to be pissed there as too many chances for trouble.  MSB was excellent, had 4 or 5 starters, crab claws, stuffed peppers, chowder, mussels, chips all great loved it - now back to Seville

Seville

Back in Seville for the first time in a few years.  Firstly I've never been here when it is anything but roasting and it has pissed down for the last 3 days and forcast is crap for tomorrow, but....

Really doesn't matter, although I would like to go to Italica (birthplace of Trajan and where Hadrian grew up), we are here for a rest and good cheap wine and tapas.  Only one mediocre glass of wine, all other great, food brilliant. 
Highlights up to now are Bar Las Terasas, been here a few times before, definitely the best Jamon and queso tapas we've ever had.  Taberna Aguilas was great, loved the mini hamburger.  Bar Alfalfa and Bodega also great in Plaza Alfalfa.  Penacultural Betica Puerta de la Carne (Real Betis supporters club) was also good, pork cheeks my favourite.  Went back to Casa Joaquin, a place we always went for a good glass of wine.

Couple of local bars, also good, only had a late tapa, so may review further.  It is a pity about the weather, just come from 2 hours in the Arab Baths so feeling great now.  will make tuna salad for lunch and then go for a walk in the rain ;)

Vintage Kitchen

It's almost boring to say how good Vintage Kitchen is (again), booked early July for last night, took a lovely Ramon Bilbao 2012 Crianza.  Quick pint in Mulligans next door then usual warm welcome.

Bread and butter perfect, she had chili prawn risotto, I had pork belly for starters, mains poussin for me, lamb shanks for her.  Every element perfect, not as massive as previous visits, but still huge portions, steak looked excellent as well.  Finished with an espresso, always too much lovely savory food to be able to manage dessert - sigh - maybe one day!

 Making risotto tonight, up to Belfast tomorrow, not been up for a couple of years, probably Mourne Seafood Bar for dinner.

Roast tomato soup and Nepalese

Have a glut of tomatoes, so roast about a kilo with a few small red onions from the allotments, garlic, olive oil, balsamic, thyme, salt and pepper.  About an hour on gas 5.  Picked out the thyme stalks then into blender until smooth, added about 100ml of single cream, seasoned  and had with crusty bread.

Last night went to Sagarmatha Kitchen in Swords last night on a deal, decent glass of house red, dips with popadums seemed home made, I had lovely veg somosas, San had duck sekuwa, very nice both.  For mains lamb ledobedo and lekali (I asked for it hot), one pilau, one plain naan.  All very good, shot of nepalese rum afterwards with the bill.  Definitely worth another visit.

Going out to a 21st tonight, so probably finger food, may have her parents over tomorrow, not sure what the plan is, if not probably roast chicken