La Cocina, Javea

November 2009

According to Tripadvisor, La Cocina is the number 1 restaurant in Javea, so obviously the group had to check it out!  Seven members gathered to share a delicious three course evening meal, a few glasses of wine and good conversation.  The unusually crafted cutlery caused quite a stir, typical of the stylish ambience that Laurie and Cliff have created for their up-beat, downtown restaurant.

The kitchen is visible from the bar area, where a comfy sofa provides a vantage point to enjoy an aperitif and watch a master at work!  The restaurant is strikingly decorated with smartly presented glass tables, snug modern black chairs, black and white tiled floor, all of which complement the mostly-glass design of the building itself.  The outside table and chairs add to the atmosphere of modern Mediterranean dining. 

The interesting menu incorporated up-to-date cuisine with some traditional Spanish cookery, with a choice of two soups; carrot, coriander and ginger, or a more traditional fusion of garlic and thyme; hearty cocas, beautifully cooked and a creamy mushroom mixture enclosed in a neat pastry basket.

The main courses comprised a delicate roulade of aubergine, celery, onions, breadcrumbs and parsley with a cumin velouté and a Murcian casserole of cannellini beans, chickpeas, pear, pumpkin, tomatoes and saffron, both served with perfectly cooked fresh vegetables and Cliff’s speciality, glorious mashed potatoes!  Beautiful bread and quality wine was included.  The desserts we chose set a few hearts racing with calls for more - a New York Cheesecake, heavenly chocolate cake and caramalised oranges with Cointreau liquor.   A wonderful time was had by all!