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Several threads about good food and wine along the Camino have opened lively discussions.
While peregrinos are commonly known as a frugal specie, there are many who would love to combine their camino with the exploration of Spain’s rich culinary culture and diversity in great wines. A CGG would not only be helpful but very popular for sure.
What would be a practical approach to create such a guide? It should be….
- up-to-date and easily accessible (No better place than this forum to embed it, what do you think, Ivar?)
- reliable and contributed by bona-fide peregrinos (forum-members?)
Similarly to the Michelin guide, it should contain a simple classification, like….
- one «pilgrim-staff» (PG) = tasty, seasonal freshly cooked local specialities, good selection of local wines, «worth-while to make a stop»
- two PG’s = above average, aspirational, regional cuisine, interesting wine list, «worth-while a small detour»
- three PG’s = a «must» on the camino, featuring the very best of regional haute cuisine, exquisite wines, «worth-while to do the camino again»
- ex category, no classification (something like the Michelin BIP) = best peregrino menu, with fresh vegetables, agreeable table wine
Please contribute your ideas, suggestions regarding the criteria of classification, etc.
What a great idea!! Guaranteed successSeveral threads about good food and wine along the Camino have opened lively discussions.
While peregrinos are commonly known as a frugal specie, there are many who would love to combine their camino with the exploration of Spain’s rich culinary culture and diversity in great wines. A CGG would not only be helpful but very popular for sure.
What would be a practical approach to create such a guide? It should be….
- up-to-date and easily accessible (No better place than this forum to embed it, what do you think, Ivar?)
- reliable and contributed by bona-fide peregrinos (forum-members?)
Similarly to the Michelin guide, it should contain a simple classification, like….
- one «pilgrim-staff» (PG) = tasty, seasonal freshly cooked local specialities, good selection of local wines, «worth-while to make a stop»
- two PG’s = above average, aspirational, regional cuisine, interesting wine list, «worth-while a small detour»
- three PG’s = a «must» on the camino, featuring the very best of regional haute cuisine, exquisite wines, «worth-while to do the camino again»
- ex category, no classification (something like the Michelin BIP) = best peregrino menu, with fresh vegetables, agreeable table wine
Please contribute your ideas, suggestions regarding the criteria of classification, etc.
I would suggest starting with basic categories, such as...
1. Tapas: unique, presentation, freshness, etc.
2. Pilgrim Menu: standard, very good, outstanding
3. Meat dishes / lentil soups / vegetarian meals
4. Unique regional dishes: have a description of what is unique to each region
5. Pilgrim-friendly posh restaurants: what's the specialty?
6. Best Coffee / Wine
7. Best pilgrim menu
This is exactly what I would hope for, simple- fast - easy!Maybe? Eventually it could feature on Ivar's app?
Your "other camino's" idea should be workable, lets build it in...and Laura, please post your ratings in this thread! I know what you mean regarding the "greens"! Made a point to skip "regular " lunches all the way, bought fresh fruit, tomatoes, carrots etc. instead, to "compensate". I think that the CGG should list and award good vegetarian restaurants.While I understand the need to focus on the CF first, why don't we add a section for "other caminos" and just keep it simple with posts including: name of camino, restaurant name, cost, and comment. Since I have walked the CF three times, I am walking other routes and it would be nice to have a place to scroll thru for recommendations. On the VdlP I was getting very tired of meat, fries, salad and was so grateful for Laurie's recommendation of Casa Rosemary in Montamarta. best meal of my camino: beautiful mixed greens (not iceberg) and vegetable salad with a local specialty veal stew. It was on the edge of town and I would have missed it.
I love classification systems. What will we start with - dumping every suggestion into an Excel spreadsheet? Let me know here, or by PM,if I can actually help!let's work on that rating list
I would love a guide.
In 40 days I only found one meal worthy of mention....
perhaps to simplify the concept I defer to the "regional" suggestion. The CF passes through wine regions and cultural gastro districts so to make that a sound strategy. For example under Navarra categories for Restaurants, local wines, local foods (asparagus blanco!)unique to the area etc.My initial reaction is to jump right in and start naming names.
Armed with restraint I offer this. Some foods or wines are experienced outside of restaurants and are not exclusive to them. For an example I will use Cabrales Blue Cheese.
There might be a category that recognizes the food rather than the restaurant where it is found.
Can't wait to participate in the final version.
Hola, Pano!Several threads about good food and wine along the Camino have opened lively discussions.
While peregrinos are commonly known as a frugal specie, there are many who would love to combine their camino with the exploration of Spain’s rich culinary culture and diversity in great wines. A CGG would not only be helpful but very popular for sure.
What would be a practical approach to create such a guide? It should be….
- up-to-date and easily accessible (No better place than this forum to embed it, what do you think, Ivar?)
- reliable and contributed by bona-fide peregrinos (forum-members?)
Similarly to the Michelin guide, it should contain a simple classification, like….
- one «pilgrim-staff» (PG) = tasty, seasonal freshly cooked local specialities, good selection of local wines, «worth-while to make a stop»
- two PG’s = above average, aspirational, regional cuisine, interesting wine list, «worth-while a small detour»
- three PG’s = a «must» on the camino, featuring the very best of regional haute cuisine, exquisite wines, «worth-while to do the camino again»
- ex category, no classification (something like the Michelin BIP) = best peregrino menu, with fresh vegetables, agreeable table wine
Please contribute your ideas, suggestions regarding the criteria of classification, etc.
I'm with Robo, on the CF, once out of the larger cities you woulf be hard pressed for a meal deserving 1PG. Anything smaller than Astorga and you are looking hard. I can think of 1 restaurant worth mentioning, although in the same town you can find of of Spain's most reknowned restaurants. On the Primitivo not even 1 worth mentioning. On del Norte? The food is very good, but still ot worth a detour or a single staff.I would love a guide.
In 40 days I only found one meal worthy of mention....
OK, in response to that request...Your comments and suggestions are not only welcome but vigorously requested
Anemone, I am fully realizing that one hardly finds good eatery in the meseta and other such places. But then, who would want to eat "gourmet" every day on the camino....this is not the idea. But from my many trips in the areas, I would guess that there are perhaps 30 places to qualify for a classification, maybe 10 for two staffs and I'd hope to list 3-4 three staff restaurants between SPPdP and SdC. If so, the entire project would be entirely worth while, imho.I'm with Robo, on the CF, once out of the larger cities you woulf be hard pressed for a meal deserving 1PG. Anything smaller than Astorga and you are looking hard. I can think of 1 restaurant worth mentioning, although in the same town you can find of of Spain's most reknowned restaurants. On the Primitivo not even 1 worth mentioning. On del Norte? The food is very good, but still ot worth a detour or a single staff.
OK, in response to that request...
Your suggested criteria for rating restaurants appear to make a fairly traditional style rating system for restaurants that are close to the camino. That is consistent with your idea that it would be focused on the connoisseurs and that project might be enough to take on, at the moment.
I was thinking it would be fun to have a linear list (from SJPP to Santiago) of outstanding/special culinary experiences available to a walking pilgrim? The comparative rating might not be so critical to start, except to determine if the place even gets ON the list. The comments and a couple of tags would explain the virtues of the place. I would enjoying seeing a list that includes, for example, the Crepe Lady, David's place before Astorga, a famous pulperia or 2, a bodega on the way, regional sausage maker, the Chocolate museum, a great coffee somewhere, as well as the rated restaurants. However, that could get to be too much work, very fast. Also, it is arguable that guide books already provide a lot of this.
I'm happy to do field-testing (to the extent I can afford) of the information that @PANO coordinate!
C clearly and LauraK, your enthusiasm is very inspiring, thank you so much! From what you write, there is no real contradiction to my definition of a CGG: It should be linear, yes; it can/should contain all the places you mention and some of them may even obtain a classification or a pilgrims shell, but what is badly needed (I feel) is a Guide to mention the real gems and classify and reward the efforts of their hosts....to the benefit of palate of discerning peregrinos.OK, in response to that request...
Your suggested criteria for rating restaurants appear to make a fairly traditional style rating system for restaurants that are close to the camino. That is consistent with your idea that it would be focused on the connoisseurs and that project might be enough to take on, at the moment.
I was thinking it would be fun to have a linear list (from SJPP to Santiago) of outstanding/special culinary experiences available to a walking pilgrim? The comparative rating might not be so critical to start, except to determine if the place even gets ON the list. The comments and a couple of tags would explain the virtues of the place. I would enjoying seeing a list that includes, for example, the Crepe Lady, David's place before Astorga, a famous pulperia or 2, a bodega on the way, regional sausage maker, the Chocolate museum, a great coffee somewhere, as well as the rated restaurants. However, that could get to be too much work, very fast. Also, it is arguable that guide books already provide a lot of this.
I'm happy to do field-testing (to the extent I can afford) of the information that @PANO coordinate!
Not to worry KinkyOne, we look keenly forward to your list and ratings when you're ready. Until we have a dedicated space, just post in this thread.Hola, Pano!
I have compiled those mentions about places to go eat on CF and can send it to you. But currently I'm on Sanabres and will return home in three weeks.
Let me know and I'll send it to you if you will be THE person to organize this.
Buen provecho!
A guide for peregrinos doing the camino not as penance but to celebrate the joys and intensity of life, curious to explore the specialities of the country they are crossing; for the lovers of slow food conspiring with inspired, passionate chefs, for those appreciating the savors of wine that is the pride of dedicated vintners and worthy of their countless hours of hard work....this would be "my CGG".In the information you collect you may want to include opening hours. I doubt many of the restaurants you have in mind would be open in early evening when most pilgrims eat. Also dress code.
I'm with LauraK, a step above traditional pilgrim fare sounds more realistic in terms of availability and matching with pilgrim needs. In Fromista you could go to Los Palmeros, if they allow you in your grubby pilgrim wear, but more interesting might be Cafétéria Venta Boffard. If you stick to ultra high quality you would miss places like the Pasage de los Nobles in Santilana del Mar, or the home made cooking of the restaurant in Hazas/Liendo. And David's place as you come into Astorga would certainly be out.
If you decide that you are not looking for Michelin rated places I'd be happy to share some of my favourites.
Nothing....quite on the contrary, Kanga. I assume that the CGG would require only minor changes to the app. Wondering what Ivar thinks about it.What's wrong with using a tool that already exists - Ivar's "Camino Places" app. It specifically has a way of commenting and recommending restaurants. Although not sure how to add places that are not already there.
Kanga, I agree with you except at at the moment you can not add places not generate de by ghe app, as you mention, but also you cannot comment if you are not In the vicinity. So no comenting unless you are en route.What's wrong with using a tool that already exists - Ivar's "Camino Places" app. It specifically has a way of commenting and recommending restaurants. Although not sure how to add places that are not already there.
Thanks, Debra! I just read your post and immediately ordered the book from Amazon.Slightly off topic, but I'm reading a great memoir that revolves around regional food (primarily a story about a cheese) and wine in northern Spain, on the meseta. It's called The Telling Room by Michael Paterniti. It is making me homesick for the Camino. It emphasizes slow food and the pleasure of eating and sharing regional specialties prepared with love and includes a lot of history about Spain and northern Spain in particular. Highly recommended.
@CaminoDebrita - the comment about steaks might have been meant as an indictment of Google assumptions that tend to give stereotypical search results.
Both those books look worth reading!
It's called The Telling Room by Michael Paterniti.
I've reserved them both at the library. Thanks for the suggestions.Like Water for Chocolate-
I've reserved them both at the library. Thanks for the suggestions.
Under Wine - Surely quantity is extremely important?
OK I probably won't fit in this thread, I'll get my coat.
I absolutely agree. What a wise old owl you are, HouletUnder Wine - Surely quantity is extremely important?
OK I probably won't fit in this thread, I'll get my coat.
Alas shoping the chalkboards of pilgrim menus may not make you enough of a food ie foe this guide. Unless You are prépares to make detours to get to your fan ider meal your suggestions May not make it.Hello all,
Once you get your rating system figured out, let me know. I am a travel writer, and food and wine are some of my fave topics. Fellow pilgrims told me I was becoming a Camino foodie legend to them... I shopped the chalkboards for the best pilgrim menus, tried out the food and then posted my recommendations on Facebook for my fellow pilgrims. I'd love to add some of the most notable places to your guide. But please keep your rating system simple and post easy-to-understand guidelines. I like the comment that we should post the actual prices, not a rating system for prices.
I'm posting here to bump the post up and see what's happening with the CGG. I have now read both The Telling Room and Like Water for Chocolate. I enjoyed both, for different reasons. The Telling Room was particularly interesting in its presentation of Castillians - both in pointing out their virtues and how they might react to "foreigners" and how we foreigners can react. I will look at those old guys sitting in the bar a little differently now.
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