A Perfect Gastro Finish To Camino Via De La Plata – Restaurante Ana
What better than arriving in Santiago after a little Camino Via De La Plata, known as the Silver Way, to be greeted by a dear friend and Gastro Specialist Stacy Lutsch who provided the perfect location for a little Camino CELEBRATION! Ready for some rest and relaxation and the opportunity to connect over a glass of wine or two or…and some incredible “raciones”, perfect portions for sharing. A sigh of happiness and a huge smile accompanied the whole afternoon.
Stacy knew just the right place to keep the Camino spirit going and so it was Restaurante Ana, Rua Olvido 22, with its historic stone courtyard and flowers. It was like being in a great casa rural with the benefit of being just inside the city leaving a little anticipation of the final steps to the Cathedral to see it in all its magnificence which always inspires.
So it was a little wine tasting of Albariño and Godello to quench the thirst after the final 16 Km into Santiago. Sun was shining and the patio was the perfect place to see what might be our favorite for the day. Albariño light and full of flavor is known for its distinctive aroma with suggestions of peach and apricot. Godello usually with its brighter yellow color that can evolve into a deeper golden is known for its citrus aromas, tropical fruits, green apple, as well as, fresh plants like hay, thyme, and camomile and a hint of white flowers. Both are delicious and amazingly refreshing. Leads one to ponder which one you prefer or better yet provides the opportunity to sip, taste and discover on yet another Gastro Camino day.
Sitting, sipping, and catching up were the order for the day in a wonderful courtyard hearing of the latest happenings in Santiago as Stacy has been a local for almost 3 years, as well as, sharing some Camino memories. We relaxed, soaked up the sunshine and then tasted some incredible plates perfect for sharing. A bowl of freshly homemade “patatas fritas” – potato chips – helped us get ready for our first plate that was a perfect starter to go along with our wine. Then came a flavorful soft cheese in a spanish filo dough pastry rolled and then deep fried. I think the best words to describe it was delicious – smooth – COMFORT FOOD. Followed by 3 unique and wonderfully different pate’s: olive, tuna and blue cheese. It was fun going back and forth from one to the other and back again. Last plate was reserved for the famous pulpo gallego this time done “a la plancha” or grilled to perfection and served with potatoes. No Camino is complete without one pulpo gallego experience and this was the perfect place to sample this Galician delicacy. I think pulpo gallego a la plancha is my current favorite for cooking preparation and fun crispy taste that you enjoy from the first bite to the last.
No Galician meal is complete without “postre” or dessert or a “chopito”, an after dinner liquor and in this case we were treated to both. A fantastically smooth and incredibly flavorful flan tart of coffee mixed with chocolate and liquor de herbes bright yellow just like the flowers that paved my camino path and brightened our table. It was a true spanish style long lunch of celebration, good conversation and great gastro flavors.
A very special thank you to Stacy for making my Camino arrival so special, memorable, and for being the perfect Gastro Guide in Santiago. Stacy showed me many new places around town as we toured and tasted the next 2 days. So many new fun places along with some old favorites so stay tuned for some more Savory Santiago Sites that Stacy shared with me.
For more great wine and culinary experiences please visit Stacy’s blog: Rain Boots and Wine Glasses at http://rainbootsandwineglasses.wordpress.com
