tomato salad with fresh mozzarella
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The Incredible Cuisine of Ibiza, Spain

Experience The Incredible Cuisine of Ibiza, Spain

The Mediterranean diet is widely known as the healthiest way to eat. Eating it on the island of Ibiza is the perfect way to sample all the goodness of Spanish food cooked in the best way possible.

Ultimate Relaxation in Ibiza
Ultimate Relaxation in Ibiza

One weekend this fall, some friends and I had the opportunity to do just that.

Beach Walking in Ibiza
Beach Walking in Ibiza

Ibiza, variously under the hegemony of every dominant Mediterranean power throughout history, from the Phoenicians to the Moors, has melded the influences of each into its own unique style. The food reflects this ancestry combined with current tastes because each nationality and culture finds its way to this beautiful island playground. Our dining options were seemingly endless.

Pork belly with fruit at the fabulous Sa Brisa Gastro Bar
Pork belly with fruit at the fabulous Sa Brisa Gastro Bar

The underwater Posidonia Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounds the island and provides a magnificent breeding ground for all manner of seafood. These plants are also responsible for keeping the water pure and crystal clean. That means excellent seafood was on every menu. There was a dry, local white wine to go with seafood and the nearby Spanish mainland with its bounty of wines and meats to draw upon. We ate grandly and often!

Cuisine of Ibiza

I’ll highlight a few of our best meals, or just the best courses of each, in no particular order below so you can see the diversity and excellence of the island fare.

A traditional Catalan breakfast
A traditional Catalan breakfast

While Spanish breakfast buffets are always extravagant affairs, the best breakfast in Ibiza was over-the-top grand. Besides a full buffet of cereals, pastries, fruits, and the usual selection of self-serve hot dishes, the breakfast at the Ibiza Gran Hotel had an omelet/waffle station, a bread station, a crepe station, and a meat station. At each, a smiling, courteous chef prepared our selections to order. The quality and diversity of food was amazing!

bread selection
bread selection

I’d already eaten the typical Catalan breakfast of jamon & tomatoes on toasted garlic bread (don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it). Still, I found room for an omelet, a crepe, a slice of one of the 20 varieties of bread, and a selection of Spanish hams and sausages. What a hearty way to begin the day. Especially when it is washed down with local Can Rich Blanc de Blanc Cava!

Nobu Restaurant in Ibiza
Nobu Restaurant in Ibiza

Nobu is a new 5-star hotel on the beach that demands mention. Nobu is also the world’s most recognized Japanese restaurant. It is eponymously named after the Japanese celebrity chef and restaurateur known for his fusion cuisine, blending traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian. And while there are dozens of them worldwide, there are a few signature dishes Nobu is known for in each. The most remarkable one I had in Ibiza was the beef.

Japanese Food in Ibiza
Japanese Food in Ibiza

It was a rare medallion of beef in a spicy fruit sauce, the charred lime meant to be squeezed over it to diffuse the heat. Some of my companions thought it was too hot, but I only used the lime to see how the combination worked. It was delicious both ways. The course before it was little rice dishes with spicy salmon topped with cucumbers, wasabi pearls, and sushi. It was most remarkable in that this is where my limited chopstick skills failed me completely. The rice bowls were my downfall. I asked for and used a fork to eat them. Ever since dining at the 3 Michelin-star restaurant “Eight” in Macau, famous for its dim sum, I’ve been shameless when asking for a fork.

Yet another course of little dishes at Nobu
Yet another course of little dishes at Nobu

My favorite lunch was at the Essence Mediterranean Restaurant on the beach at the Playa de Figueretas, just after kayaking and snorkeling offshore in the Posidonia Meadows.

The Incredible Cuisine of Ibiza
The Incredible Cuisine of Ibiza

To drink, they had an organic Blanco from the island’s Can Rich winery. The food, paired with the wine, was decorative and delicious. Because they offered a plate of lamb two ways, roasted and shredded with gravy, I decided to forego the usual fish to enjoy this mainland treat. Get a look at the vegetable presentation!

tomato salad with fresh mozzarella
tomato salad with fresh mozzarella

The lamb was preceded by an heirloom tomato salad with fresh mozzarella drizzled with balsamic dressing. Such a rich burst of flavors greeted me when I dug into it!

As usual, our meals all ended with the typical lingering conversation and digestives the Spanish call “sobremesa”, and I got to taste my new favorite liquor – the famous “Hierbas Ibicencas” from Ibiza, basically an herbed arujo – here served with a double espresso.

digestives
digestives

Well my friends, thanks for joining me on this culinary weekend in Ibiza, Spain. There isn’t enough room to show you more – so much more – of what we ate. Cold octopus salad with vegetables, endless cod croquettes, and plates of Jamon Iberico, all served with quantities of cava and wine and Orujo filled our days. There was a “balloon” of mozzarella and other innovative dishes at the wildly inventive Sa Brisa Gastro Bar, where we were seated one evening at an outside table on the newly renovated Vara de Rey. There were simply too many great meals to do them all justice. You’ll have to go and try them for yourself.

The crew photo by Erik Trinidad
The crew photo by Erik Trinidad

This abbreviated account is presented with the wish that all your journeys be safe and your meals be as beautiful and tasty as these, shared with engaging companions and in such picturesque surroundings.  Bon provecho!

To learn more about Ibiza, check out http://tourism.eivissa.es.

For more culinary adventures, you can follow Richard on Instagram and Facebook.

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Written by Richard Frisbie

Richard Frisbie is a travel, culinary, and garden writer whose work has appeared in a broad range of print and online venues, including EDGE Publications, InsideOut magazine, Examiner.com, and others. He is also owner of Hope Farm Press, editing and publishing regional books on New York State. Visit his websites RichardFrisbie.com, richardfrisbie.wordpress.com.

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