El Alquimista — Restaurant in Arlanzón

This is the first review I’ve ever written, and I’m doing so as a way to process my anger. I’m already feeling better after having read the other reviews and realising I’m not alone.

I really wanted to go somewhere peaceful, after an unsettling experience at the albergue next door. I got that – the place has a lovely vibe and the hosts seem friendly – at first. I sat and read my book for a while.

Here’s what happened next, presented (mostly) impartially:

I asked for a menu, host said “I am the menu” (in Spanish). I was offered several dishes, including “spaghetti con carne”. I said I was vegetarian. I asked if I could have “spaghetti sin carne”. She said yes. I didn’t really want that, but all that she had offered vegetarian was Spanish tortilla & salad, and as a veggie in Spain, I’m already sick of that. And I lacked the skills to find a better solution, as I don’t speak Spanish and she had no English. So I figured I’d make do with another night of pasta & tomato sauce.

Then she served me a plate of plain spaghetti and some plain white bread. There was some oil on the spaghetti. That’s it. The spaghetti was too soft, but otherwise fine. The bread wanted butter, but I think that’s a Spanish thing as everywhere seems to offer bread in this way.

I enjoyed it as best I could. I wondered vaguely how much it would cost, thinking I might’ve lucked in and managed to eat in this town for just a few quid. I was considering ordering an apple or an orange so I at least had something that wasn’t plain carbs.

Then an argument broke out between a previous customer and the hosts. The customer was looking for a hat that he was certain he had left behind just minutes ago. When it was gone, he accused the hosts of stealing it. The hosts denied it, very aggressively. I caught what I understood to be “this is my house!” from the hosts, who I believe were insulted by the accusation. It seemed to me that both sides were adding fuel to the fire by expressing their anger without compassion. I have no idea what really happened to the hat …

After that I decided to leave. I asked to pay. I was told “€8. No, let’s make it €7. Cash please.”

I left wondering how I had paid €7 for plain spaghetti. I feel very taken advantage of. What restaurant serves you plain spaghetti? For €7. Yesterday evening I ordered the same meal at the albergue I was staying at. It was exactly the same, except it came with a tomato-based sauce and cost

NOT FOR TOURISTS.

Tried to order A Salad and Chicken. They didn't want to know. I was told to sit. Again tried to order and the Waiter indicated with his hands that someone would take the Order. Nobody asked me what I would like though I did hear People with Spanish being offered a Choice. Was served Gloopy Soup and Meatballs in a Sauce that tasted like the Soup.

Desert was a Yogurt in a pot straight out of the Supermarket. When the main Course was served, I again asked for a Salad I was told " No Salad". I understand Communication is an issue, but No effort was made to communicate. They were Short and Rude.

When I went to Pay, the Lady of the house was. Making an elaborate Tuna Salad. When I said this She Lost it. !. I didn't have the Spanish to defend myself , but she still felt entitled to abuse me. It was a Very Nasty experience. There's No excuse for Bad manners, or just throwing up what you like to...

Un petit bar restaurant mini épicerie sur le Chemin de Saint Jacques de Compostelle tenu par un couple adorable haut en couleur. Elle parle haut et fort et ne se laisse pas marcher sur les pieds... c'est sûr que si vous ne respectez pas les règles du lieux, elle vous le fait savoir. Mais si d'emblée vous adoptez une attitude bienveillante, elle est vraiment adorable et se met en quatre pour vous faire plaisir et vous chouchouter. La maison a plus de 400 ans, typique de la région. Bien entendu, très frequenté par les pèlerins, pas toujours très disciplinés... ni respectueux. C'est ouvert dès 6:00 du matin, jusqu'à ce que les derniers clients quittent le bar. On peut y prendre son petit-déjeuner, repas de midi, dîner et toutes sortes de collations.

Ici, on vous propose une véritablecuisine authentique de famille, longuement et doucement mijotée, en fonction de l'approvisionnement du moment. Ce jour nous avons eu : un consommé (je parirai que le bouillon a servi à cuire préalablement le poulet qui figurait en plat du jour) avec vermicelles, bien relevé. Deux autres potages dont un de légumes étaient proposés ; 1/4 de poulet braisé servi avec un riz gras et son jus : fondant, goûteux, vraiment très bon avec ce jus très parfumé qui imprégnait le riz. Très simple, mais vraiment bon ; une côtelette de porc avec une sauce de tomates fraîches bien relevée et son riz ; une assiette de fromages artisanaux du coin ; une part de gâteau maison à la banane ; de la pastèque ; 2 bouteilles d'eau gazeuse et un Kas orange. Le tout pour 27,80€. Prix plus que raisonnable, repas servi en terrasse puisque la soirée plutôt chaude le permettait. La musique, du très vieux rock, nous a rappelé notre jeunesse ! Ça a fait plaisir au propriétaire des lieux, qui s'entend plutôt dire que c'est dépassé... il était tout content que nous apprécions : il n'a plus arrêté de nous parler de ses tubes. C'était drôle. Bref, nous avons passé une très agréable soirée et recommandons...