cooking and eating

Hi Micheal

On the odd occasion we did cook, the kitchens and all utensils were always in good condition and clean.

Hope this helps,

Matt

* Not all refuges have kitchens.
* Not all kitchens have equipment.
* Some pueblos don't have cafe/bars and the guide book will suggst that you take foor with you.
* We carried a little spiral immersion heater with us and could make tea/coffee/cup of soup in almost all the refuges.
* We also took a small gas stove and a set of post but only used them twice.
* Many villages have places that offer Menu del Pergrinos - a basic 3 courses (soup/chicken and salad/dessert - often an ice cream or 'flan') for about 7 Euro that include a bottle of water or wine (plonk!)
You won't starve! The staple diet of a pilgrim is 'bocadillos" bread and cheese rolls.
Enjoy!
Sil

You might have a problem with finding somewhere to eat in the smaller places, particularly in the evening, but this is not likely to be a problem in the larger ones, regardless of time of year. As Sil says, you can live off bocadillos - pretty much every bar can offer one of some sort (though I don't think I would call them 'rolls' - they're about the size of your forearm and you can only consume them at all by opening your mouth very wide ). You can of course also buy things like bread and cheese in the shop and make your own.
Don't forget though the peculiar hours that Spaniards keep; eve meal at 21.30. It's no good going to the local restaurant at what non-Spaniards regard as the normal time for an evening meal and expecting to be fed. If you're unsure whether the place you intend to spend the night has a restaurant, eat your main meal at midday (which means mid-afternoon in Spain). An alternative in the evening in the larger places is that excellent Spanish institution, tapas; most bars have a selection of some sort.

Can't offer you any advice on cooking, as for me the whole point of travel is to get away from that sort of thing and do things you don't do at home 8)

Based on my recent experience, I generally agree with the above.
Indeed not all refuges have kitchens or cookware, and the smaller villages do not have shops to buy your food.

Bocadillos can be bought in virtually every bar (between 2 and 3 Euro), and can be with cheese, chorizo, ham or fried eggs ( tortilla francesa) and are large.

Pelgrim menus are now offered almost everywhere from 7.00pm or 7.30 pm, clearly to accomodate the pelgrims. They also offer often the same menu or a more elaborate menu between 2.00 and 4.00pm and from 21.30pm onwards.

Although the pelgrim menu is basic (usually a choice in each of the 3 courses ) it is quite filling. The included wine can vary in quality, but it is usually young and quite drinkable.

Kees