Who would be interested in a luxury foodie tour of Menorca but at a reasonable price?

I've found some inspirational ocean front accomodation with a great kitchen and dining areas.....and there are a number of fantastic restaurants and cookery courses.....

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Permalink Reply by msmarmitelover on May 17, 2011 at 7:54

Hi Anita,

Tell us more about the food of Menorca...

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Permalink Reply by Anita Harris on May 17, 2011 at 10:02

Food and drink in Menorca

The traditional cuisine of Menorca is a clear reflection of both it's history and island status. Fresh seafood is plentiful, but so also are some superb dairy products that reflect the British introduction of Friesian cattle to Menorca in the 18th century. Although the introduction of tourism has made mainland Spanish and international food widely available, all visitors should enjoy the real flavour of Menorca.

Seafood Specialities

Seafood is an unsurprising favourite on any island: prawns, mussels, squid, mullet, sole and sea-bass are all abundant in Menorca. However the island is famed for caldereta de llagosta, a lobster stew once prepared simply by local fishermen on their boats.

This dish has become a true speciality and it is said that King Juan Carlos travels from Mallorca to Fornells just to eat the excellent lobster.

Mahon Cheese

Although cheese has been produced in Menorca for centuries, in 1985 it was given it's own Denomination of Origin. Mahon Cheese is produced across the island to strict standards and is incredibly popular across Spain. It is characterised by a square shape with an oily yellow rind and comes in a variety of types, depending on their maturity, some of which are cured for up to two years.

Ice Cream and Desserts

Menorcans have a very sweet tooth and produce an array of pastries and desserts. If you have nothing else, be sure to try the almond macaroons (carquinyols) or enjoy morning coffee with an ensaimada - a fluffy spiral pastry made with lard and sugar.

Menorcans also have their own ice cream from Alaior - La Menorquina. Its smooth, creamy taste is highly popular and is now sold throughout Spain.

Gin Xoriguer

Commercial production of gin in Menorca began in the 18th century, stimulated by demand from British sailors. Xoriguer is the last remaining distillery on the island, whose gin is still sold in traditional earthenware bottles.

The gin is unlike British gin (NOT recommended with tonic), more akin to the Dutch version. It is traditionally drunk neat, with herbes (a locally made liquer) or with lemonade to make a pomada