Summer is upon us and its time to enjoy living in this part of the world. Chiringuitos (beach bars) are the best way to enjoy the fresh fish in Spain. Sit al fresco and sip a tinto verano (red wine and lemonade) as you enjoy the view of the beach while tasting the spectacular fish dishes.
Today I visited Andrés y María located on the beach (Playa del castillo de la Duquesa), in the seaside village of El Castillo. El Castillo is a typical fishing village and is well-known for its fish. It is right next door to Marina de La Duquesa but is completely different from the port. El Castillo gives you a taste of the authentic Spain. The food is typical seafood and fish dishes and you can order paella too, although it needs to be for a minimum of two people and priced at 10 euros a head. Today we decided to go for a selection of ‘raciones’- almejas (clams), gambas pil pil (sizzling prawns in a garlic sauce), boquerones frito (fried fresh anchovies), rosada a la plancha (pink bream from the hake family) and tomato and onion salad. The fish was very fresh. The rosada was served grilled in a garlic and herb marinade and extremely fresh. The only thing that wasn’t quite up to standard was the prawns. They were very tasy and the portion was a decent size for 9 euros but the actual prawns were quite small – I prefer bigger, juicy prawns.
The drinks are very reasonable. Tinto verano was 1.50 a glass and water 1 euro a bottle.
Overall, this ´chiringuito´experience was very good and the service was fast and efficient. I have often been to this restaurant and find that the quality of the food is consistent and good quality. And if by any chance, there is someone in your party that does not like fish, the meatballs are great.
This is what living in spain is all about.
If you need to contact the chiringuito, the number is 952 11 33 05.