Aux 2 Papillons — Restaurant in Teulada

Both Mrs P and myself love middle eastern / north African cuisine and since our favourite Lebanese joint, Balbec, suddenly closed in Valencia last year, we have struggled to find another good authentic restaurant, that could provide us with this type of food. So yesterday on a bit of a whim and with our fingers crossed, we went for a little run out and headed over to Moraira. More precisely to Aux Deux Papillons, a Lebanese come French restaurant, sat back, a 150 meters from the Med amongst a strip of bars and cafes in a busy commercial block. Lots of tables outside on the terrace, but we chose to sit inside, in a small, but really nicely furnished dining area. With a nice bar at the back and a great view into the open kitchen. We sat either side of an open window, that provided a lovely breeze on a hot day. There isn't a traditional menu as such, but 2 set menus. One of traditional Lebanese cuisine, the other, old school French classics. We didn't come for French tucker, so we opted for the Lebanese set menu, at €25 per person. The chef Roger, who was born and raised in Lebanon, but who trained in Lucerne Switzerland, before forging a culinary career in Paris, arrived in Moraira 2 years ago, opening this lovely place. Chef Roger was immediately on hand tableside, to explain his menu and dishes, including 2 starter additions, that were not printed on the menu. I was even invited into the spotless kitchen, so that he could show me the prepared meat, fish and other dishes that were to follow. It is fabulous to see somebody so passionate and moreso proud of his homeland dishes and of what he prepares. So onto the food and drink. We ordered a delicious, creamy, ice cold Verdejo (€17), and large bottle of still water. When that arrived we were also presented with a bowl of plump olives, thinly sliced cured salami and mixed nuts for us to nibble on while the food arrived. When it came it wasn't to share as we expected, but a plate each, of amazing meze accompanied by hot thin pitta. Baba ganoush, smokey and earthy, wonderful. Hummus, smooth and silky, to die for. A tender vine leaf, stuffed with chopped cooked rice, delicious. A handmade warm pastry filled with spinach, crisp and light. Tabbouleh, freshly chopped while we waited, the flat leaf interlaced with fresh mint, Bulger wheat, tomato concasse and a hint of lemon, amazing. Finally, and my favourite, from a spectacular selection, a hot homemade falafel, light crispy and wonderfully zingy, served with a tahini sauce atop a small mixed salad. Spectacular and enough food to service a small army. The first main course we chose consisted of the meat mix grill. A great mixture of beef kofte, chicken breast and tender lean lamb kebabs, served with a garlic sauce. The second was a traditional beef Kebbe. Aromatic as it was laced with cinnamon, with a hint of sweetness pushing through the lean pressed beef, from tiny golden raisins and pine nuts and served with a home made yoghurt sauce and a chiu croute salad. Both dishes were served with potatoes, carrot and a stunning courgette puree laced with butter. Immense. Sadly we could only manage half the food between us, but no waste, as we took it boxed up home. That will feed us both again tomorrow. We couldn't manage dessert as we were so stuffed, but we were given ice cold fresh melon pieces anyway. You could have selected a traditional baklava that looked sticky sweet amazing, or 5 or 6 other French classic desserts, all home made on site. But only if you were more careful, not like us, and you had left a little room. For all that delicious food, and trust me there was lots, a great wine, water and coffee, for 2 people, €75.00. Terrific value. We told Chef Roger that we had driven over from Oliva just to try his restaurant, he was humbled and very grateful. But at the end of the day why wouldn't you, when you fancy the best middle eastern food, this side of...

Dear Sir Alfy Zidan, By what right do you put the authenticity of my Lebanese cuisine? I am Lebanese from one of the largest families of restaurateurs in Lebanon. "Casino Restaurant AKL" of which I have the honor and the pride to carry the NAME with respect, honor and conviction. I come from the greatest Lebanese and French Chefs, from the greatest French and Lebanese culinary schools. I was born in Lebanon in Beirut and my cuisine is recognized worldwide. You are absolutely not credible because you are the only one to issue these unfounded criticisms. You were paid to post this review because it's obvious you're a sellout. My reputation is so scary? I'm glad because it proves that the bar is set high for you and your evil associates. You go so far as to criticize my bread which is totally Lebanese and authentically Lebanese. I pity you for not having had the courage to say all this to my...

Staying or living in Moreira? Then you should definitely try out this exquisit restaurant. We had a splendid evening at 2 Papillon and would very much recommend you to try it out!

You can choose between a French or Libanese menu and a variety of fresh dishes of the day. The owner used to be a chef in a Parisienne restaurant and now brings his experience of creating tasty food here.

We very much enjoyed chefs warmeliness , passionately talking about the food and even inviting us to watch him prepare it in the open kitchen.

Our course started with a scrumptious avocado and shrimp Appetizer, followed by a tender pepper steak. You can also tell that he has been teaching how to prepare deserts for many years in Paris when tasting some of his freshly made sweets.

The restaurant is relatively new and still a secret Tipp. So..try it as soon as you can :)

Looking forwards to our next...