geraldkelly
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Francés, Vía de la Plata / Camino Sanabrés, Camino del Baztán, Camino Aragonés, Chemin du Puy
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Agreed.Good question... As a Spaniard, I avoid pilgrim menus as such, because they mostly offer food to international taste and I find it repetitive and bland after a while. It is worth it to venture into Spanish food, do not be shy, go to places with Menú del día instead of Menú del peregrino where Spaniards eat chickpeas, bean stews, lentils, different types of fish, artichokes, asparagus, roast peppers, potato casseroles, paprika based dishes, all different types of jamon, chorizo, lacón, an amazing variety of local specialities in every region, different wines in each region, go on, be brave and take a step into the unknown!
It is a pity most pilgrims stick to the pilgrim menu and do not dive into real Spanish cuisine, just stick to salada, pork loin, fried eggs, overcooked pasta (yes, we ARE terrible for that in Spain) and industrial custards/cream caramel/cheese cakes.
And wines are worth a try too: Navarra, Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Mencía (in Bierzo and Galicia) reds, and whites from Navarra, Rueda, Godello in Bierzo and Albariño or Ribeiro in Galicia.
Not to mention cheeses...
Such a refreshing reply! Often, I react against comments about the lack of vegetables in the menus. I am fortunate in having a native from Pamplona as my guide in many things, so it has never been my experience to be lacking in vegetables. Amancio, your post is superb.Good question... As a Spaniard, I avoid pilgrim menus as such, because they mostly offer food to international taste and I find it repetitive and bland after a while. It is worth it to venture into Spanish food, do not be shy, go to places with Menú del día instead of Menú del peregrino where Spaniards eat chickpeas, bean stews, lentils, different types of fish, artichokes, asparagus, roast peppers, potato casseroles, paprika based dishes, all different types of jamon, chorizo, lacón, an amazing variety of local specialities in every region, different wines in each region, go on, be brave and take a step into the unknown!
It is a pity most pilgrims stick to the pilgrim menu and do not dive into real Spanish cuisine, just stick to salada, pork loin, fried eggs, overcooked pasta (yes, we ARE terrible for that in Spain) and industrial custards/cream caramel/cheese cakes.
And wines are worth a try too: Navarra, Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Mencía (in Bierzo and Galicia) reds, and whites from Navarra, Rueda, Godello in Bierzo and Albariño or Ribeiro in Galicia.
Not to mention cheeses...
good approach, indeed! Cuajada can be stunning, the one I tried in Samos was the best ever, beautiful dessertBut to answer the question,
First course: melon con jamon or caldo;
Main: conejo or cordero
Dessert: cuajarda (spelling?) or ice cream
I usually drink tinto.
that is it, pretty much; the Menú del Peregrino has a strong influence of what is mostly ordered by international pilgrims, and most of them go for a safe choice: pasta, salad, potato chips, chicken burgers and the like. That is what the average pilgrim demands, so that is what is normally included in the Pilgrim menu.Generally the Menu de Dia in places where workers eat privided my daily hot meal.
See more on this topic in this earlier thread
Agree completely.It is a pity most pilgrims stick to the pilgrim menu and do not dive into real Spanish cuisine, just stick to salada, pork loin, fried eggs, overcooked pasta (yes, we ARE terrible for that in Spain) and industrial custards/cream caramel/cheese cakes.
This post makes me nostalgic for Spain, the food has always been a highlight of my trips there! Menu del Dia is definitely the best, and I often choose two first courses instead of a first and second as the first course is often more interesting than the second. I always choose salt cod, padron peppers, torta santiago, ensalada mixta when available because they do such a great job on these items, also whatever foods wines and are typical of the area. Hold the french fries and pork chops, please....I can get those anywhere.Hi
I'd like to ask people's opinions. What are your favourtie items from a Pilgrim Menus?
Personally I usually go for sopa or ensalada verde for starter and then lomo or pollo for main course.
For dessert I usually go for yogurt which I keep for breakfast.
Gerald
YES!!! I discovered fabada by trial and error at the end of a couple difficult days. The only cafe in the tiny town of Serdio (Camino del Norte) did not offer pilgrim's menu...just "del dia." No one spoke English and I had NO IDEA what the primero dish called fabada was. I asked in my broken Spanish and the proprietor just kissed his fingertips. How could I resist? It was so memorable, I wrote a whole blog post about it: https://cathleensodyssey.com/fabada/Fabada - a rich bean stew - without a doubt. And a tinto verano on a hot day....
Hey Gerald,Hi
I'd like to ask people's opinions. What are your favourtie items from a Pilgrim Menus?
Personally I usually go for sopa or ensalada verde for starter and then lomo or pollo for main course.
For dessert I usually go for yogurt which I keep for breakfast.
Gerald
I am in Lavacolla having lunch. Took a break from Galician Broth and having this insteadHi
I'd like to ask people's opinions. What are your favourtie items from a Pilgrim Menus?
Personally I usually go for sopa or ensalada verde for starter and then lomo or pollo for main course.
For dessert I usually go for yogurt which I keep for breakfast.
Gerald
I am a huge fan of the Galician soups made with turnip greens. This is the perfect thing to eat during a break on a cold rainy day.Hi
I'd like to ask people's opinions. What are your favourtie items from a Pilgrim Menus?
Personally I usually go for sopa or ensalada verde for starter and then lomo or pollo for main course.
For dessert I usually go for yogurt which I keep for breakfast.
Gerald
This is a serious imponderable. My experience is that my body is different every day. Sometimes at lunch I need to eat a lot at other times the thought of eating a big meal is nauseating. My ideal menu peregrino es en Santiago. Jamon and melon to start, chuleton de ternera next and then flan with coffee and a chupito - and red wine featured largely. This bounty came in at 9 euros. Difficult to beat. For sheer bulk Bar Castro on the Portugues in Caldos do Rei cannot be beaten - the quantity and quality of the food defies description - and all for 9 euros.Hi
I'd like to ask people's opinions. What are your favourtie items from a Pilgrim Menus?
Personally I usually go for sopa or ensalada verde for starter and then lomo or pollo for main course.
For dessert I usually go for yogurt which I keep for breakfast.
Gerald
H
Legrono tapas lane must be mentioned. The best tapas restaurant was definitely Angel’s that served mushrooms. They were delightful and it was the busiest bar on the strip.
Two words….vinto tinto.Hi
I'd like to ask people's opinions. What are your favourtie items from a Pilgrim Menus?
Personally I usually go for sopa or ensalada verde for starter and then lomo or pollo for main course.
For dessert I usually go for yogurt which I keep for breakfast.
Gerald
Vino tinto.....no?????Two words….vinto tinto.
Sopa de ajoHi
I'd like to ask people's opinions. What are your favourtie items from a Pilgrim Menus?
Personally I usually go for sopa or ensalada verde for starter and then lomo or pollo for main course.
For dessert I usually go for yogurt which I keep for breakfast.
Gerald
Sopa de ajoHi
I'd like to ask people's opinions. What are your favourtie items from a Pilgrim Menus?
Personally I usually go for sopa or ensalada verde for starter and then lomo or pollo for main course.
For dessert I usually go for yogurt which I keep for breakfast.
Gerald
I love white asparagus and salads a tuin as well as the flan. I miss got very sick of the fries though.Hi
I'd like to ask people's opinions. What are your favourtie items from a Pilgrim Menus?
Personally I usually go for sopa or ensalada verde for starter and then lomo or pollo for main course.
For dessert I usually go for yogurt which I keep for breakfast.
Gerald
Agree completely.
The menu peregrino is cheap, monotonous, and bland. Yes - like school cafeteria fare. Dreadful.
On the other hand, stopping between 2 and 4, in order to be able to enjoy a menu del dia as a midday meal is a habit really worth cultivating.
and if you can't get a good wine...most useful phrase in Spain is ?hay gaseosa?Good question... As a Spaniard, I avoid pilgrim menus as such, because they mostly offer food to international taste and I find it repetitive and bland after a while. It is worth it to venture into Spanish food, do not be shy, go to places with Menú del día instead of Menú del peregrino where Spaniards eat chickpeas, bean stews, lentils, different types of fish, artichokes, asparagus, roast peppers, potato casseroles, paprika based dishes, all different types of jamon, chorizo, lacón, an amazing variety of local specialities in every region, different wines in each region, go on, be brave and take a step into the unknown!
It is a pity most pilgrims stick to the pilgrim menu and do not dive into real Spanish cuisine, just stick to salada, pork loin, fried eggs, overcooked pasta (yes, we ARE terrible for that in Spain) and industrial custards/cream caramel/cheese cakes.
And wines are worth a try too: Navarra, Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Mencía (in Bierzo and Galicia) reds, and whites from Navarra, Rueda, Godello in Bierzo and Albariño or Ribeiro in Galicia.
Not to mention cheeses...
Indeed shared meals in an albergue are a different story where variety and taste are not so relevant, beautiful moments'Although I’ve enjoyed many good menus del dia, I have to admit, the pilgrim meals at albergues are extra special because of the people. I travel around the world looking for good food, but more importantly, I find having people around me to share the meal with far more important than the actual food itself. The real nourishment comes from those that I break bread with. The people are why I walk!
Hi
I'd like to ask people's opinions. What are your favourtie items from a Pilgrim Menus?
Personally I usually go for sopa or ensalada verde for starter and then lomo or pollo for main course.
For dessert I usually go for yogurt which I keep for breakfast.
Gerald
and if you can't get a good wine...most useful phrase in Spain is ?hay gaseosa?
YES!!! I discovered fabada by trial and error at the end of a couple difficult days. The only cafe in the tiny town of Serdio (Camino del Norte) did not offer pilgrim's menu...just "del dia." No one spoke English and I had NO IDEA what the primero dish called fabada was. I asked in my broken Spanish and the proprietor just kissed his fingertips. How could I resist? It was so memorable, I wrote a whole blog post about it: https://cathleensodyssey.com/fabada/
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I really like the white asparagus too, Sharon. This, with the Spanish mayo, makes a delicious light starter.I love white asparagus and salads a tuin as well as the flan. I miss got very sick of the fries though.
Wow. Wonderful. (One of us picks those huge large salads with walnuts, pears, arugala , olives, red peppers, apples. etc.. or how about those lushes green tomatoes with Burrata cheese…we share it and then the menu del dia or a a particular dish
I love white asparagus
I definitely do not, and would love to hear where along the camino anyone's managed to order fresh green asparagus (when it's in season, obviously).really like the white asparagus too, Sharon.
Wow. Wonderful. (Where's the iceberg lettuce?)
I definitely do not, and would love to hear where along the camino anyone's managed to order fresh green asparagus (when it's in season, obviously).
Omg, where? I'm walking that camino!one time I had them grilled together with mushrooms, red pepper and other veggies.
Omg, where? I'm walking that camino!
We will get you on the VDLP yet!Omg, where? I'm walking that camino
We will get you on the VDLP yet!
I will have to walk with you one day, you know all the best places to eat!Casa Barqueiro in Negreira. In between Santiago and Finisterre...
Just a splash makes it drinkable for we Aussies used to good wine.Surely even a bad wine is better than a soda!
what is the price difference between the two menus?I walked from Burgos this September and I'm not sure why my normal routine changed - could have been shorter stages so arriving earlier, or more stops along the way being closed? - but suddenly I managed to get to my destination while the kitchens were open for Spanish lunch. That meant having a delicious menu del dia instead of the menu del peregrino, which was wonderful! Not just the food either but being able to eat straight away and not wait for hours as well. I often ask staff to recommend something and have not been disappointed. I am also getting better at asking for what I would like - ie just the lomo a la plancha y tomate, sin pan, from the bocadillo menu - or sometimes half a menu for lunch, if I don't want bread, dessert or lots of wine.
So to answer the original question:
If there is ensalada and grilled chicken on the menu, which there almost always is, I ask if I can have them at the same time. Ensalada y pollo, sin patatas - lovely, just what a tired pilgrim needs. Or sometimes I fancy the fried eggs with chorizo or something, as long as there is decent protein on the plate. If there is a choice of pork ribs or cheeks, I jump at the chance, and if there are meatballs, ditto. I'm not really a soup person, but if there are lentejas for starters, I ditch the ensalada and just ask to have some salad or a tomato with the chicken. I avoid the pasta and rice overload, and the breaded fish, though fresh trucha is a welcome sight. A lemon yogurt beats any cake, my walking legs must be craving calcium or something. Pilgrim menus are cheap and cheerful and can be great, but I agree wholeheartedly - go and try the menu del dia and some regional dishes along the way too!
Often only a few euros, the pilgrim menu normally came to around €10 and the menu del dia ca €15, but allow for covid inflation. Still incredibly good value!what is the price difference between the two menus?
Generally, the smaller the town the better the menu del dia. In Madrid you'll be paying 15-6 E and get a small jug of tinto. In the back blocks, I've found you get a heartier meal and a full bottle of tinto, though usually needing a dash of gaseosa to make it drinkable. Then you usually need a siesta to sleep it off.Often only a few euros, the pilgrim menu normally came to around €10 and the menu del dia ca €15, but allow for covid inflation. Still incredibly good value!
Just a splash makes it drinkable for we Aussies used to good wine.
Ever drink kalamancha?Generally, the smaller the town the better the menu del dia. In Madrid you'll be paying 15-6 E and get a small jug of tinto. In the back blocks, I've found you get a heartier meal and a full bottle of tinto, though usually needing a dash of soda to make it drinkable. Then you usually need a siesta to sleep it off.
Noooo! Please do tellEver drink kalamancha?
Spanish food is wonderful but I am sorry to say it is not what you eat on a Camino francés as a pilgrim, if you choose the pilgrim’s menu. It is unrecognisable except for a few places.Honestly, the best ‘pilgrim menu’ is a bit of a tallest-dwarf competition. I realise that’s potentially offensive to those of reduced stature, and to whom I apologise sincerely.
If I need fuel, I’ll eat what’s put in front of me; but given the choice I’ll avoid ‘traditional peasant’ food which is usually offal or carbohydrate based and seek out what the people in charge of the peasants would have eaten. There are some amazing lunchtime meals which are very affordable at good restaurants and paradores throughout Spain. If you can convincingly wipe the top layer of dust from your boots you’re welcomed in the most unlikely places.
No, what is it?Ever drink kalamancha?
When we were in Leon it was May 1st and a festival was going on. A bunch of guys and one guy dressed with a wig bough me Kalamancha(sp)? It's a wine mixed with coca cola over ice. It was damn good! Someone told me the younger crowd drinks it. kind of like a punch.....No, what is it?
When we were in Leon it was May 1st and a festival was going on. A bunch of guys and one guy dressed with a wig bough me Kalamancha(sp)? It's a wine mixed with coca cola over ice. It was damn good! Someone told me the younger crowd drinks it. kind of like a punch.....
I've never had a kalimotxo, but I love a nice cold tinto de verano (red wine and lemon soda) on a hot day.Yuk! I came across this disgusting practice a few years ago while taking part in VSI work camps in central Europe. My younger work mates were diluting cheap supermarket wine with generic cola. However bad the vino tinto, it won’t be improved by further contamination.
I think it's designed for as an introduction to alcohol for the younger crowd.....I've never had a kalimotxo, but I love a nice cold tinto de verano (red wine and lemon soda) on a hot day.
Is it possible to buy Paxachan at the Airport?Hi
I'd like to ask people's opinions. What are your favourtie items from a Pilgrim Menus?
Personally I usually go for sopa or ensalada verde for starter and then lomo or pollo for main course.
For dessert I usually go for yogurt which I keep for breakfast.
Gerald
I totally agree!! Being Cuban and living in the states when I did my Camino I longed for Red beans with chorizo, rustico bread and café con leche, paella, all that my ancestors food would provide. I know the Peregrino menu is cheaper, but cheat once in a while and try true Spanish food….my favorite on peregrino menu was fettuccine with ham! Buen CaminoGood question... As a Spaniard, I avoid pilgrim menus as such, because they mostly offer food to international taste and I find it repetitive and bland after a while. It is worth it to venture into Spanish food, do not be shy, go to places with Menú del día instead of Menú del peregrino where Spaniards eat chickpeas, bean stews, lentils, different types of fish, artichokes, asparagus, roast peppers, potato casseroles, paprika based dishes, all different types of jamon, chorizo, lacón, an amazing variety of local specialities in every region, different wines in each region, go on, be brave and take a step into the unknown!
It is a pity most pilgrims stick to the pilgrim menu and do not dive into real Spanish cuisine, just stick to salada, pork loin, fried eggs, overcooked pasta (yes, we ARE terrible for that in Spain) and industrial custards/cream caramel/cheese cakes.
And wines are worth a try too: Navarra, Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Mencía (in Bierzo and Galicia) reds, and whites from Navarra, Rueda, Godello in Bierzo and Albariño or Ribeiro in Galicia.
Not to mention cheeses...
In Navarra. The white asparagus with the delicious cream sauce.Hi
I'd like to ask people's opinions. What are your favourtie items from a Pilgrim Menus?
Personally I usually go for sopa or ensalada verde for starter and then lomo or pollo for main course.
For dessert I usually go for yogurt which I keep for breakfast.
Gerald
Being surprised. Tried (and liked!) stuff I wasn't familiar with. Nice to release control and just take what they give you!Hi
I'd like to ask people's opinions. What are your favourtie items from a Pilgrim Menus?
Personally I usually go for sopa or ensalada verde for starter and then lomo or pollo for main course.
For dessert I usually go for yogurt which I keep for breakfast.
Gerald
And God awful mushy vegetables. Got tired of french fries and longed for rice,Good question... As a Spaniard, I avoid pilgrim menus as such, because they mostly offer food to international taste and I find it repetitive and bland after a while. It is worth it to venture into Spanish food, do not be shy, go to places with Menú del día instead of Menú del peregrino where Spaniards eat chickpeas, bean stews, lentils, different types of fish, artichokes, asparagus, roast peppers, potato casseroles, paprika based dishes, all different types of jamon, chorizo, lacón, an amazing variety of local specialities in every region, different wines in each region, go on, be brave and take a step into the unknown!
It is a pity most pilgrims stick to the pilgrim menu and do not dive into real Spanish cuisine, just stick to salada, pork loin, fried eggs, overcooked pasta (yes, we ARE terrible for that in Spain) and industrial custards/cream caramel/cheese cakes.
And wines are worth a try too: Navarra, Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Mencía (in Bierzo and Galicia) reds, and whites from Navarra, Rueda, Godello in Bierzo and Albariño or Ribeiro in Galicia.
Not to mention cheeses...
I accidentally came into Logrono during their annual Wine Festival. The streets were full of people drinking wine in coca cola.You put the Soda in the wine!!
Urgggg! Heathens. And in a wine producing country!I accidentally came into Logrono during their annual Wine Festival. The streets were full of people drinking wine in coca cola.
Urgggg! Heathens. And in a wine producing country!
But given the cost differential in Spain between wine and cola.
Maybe they were diluting their cola with wine ?
Enjoy!Kalimotxo (Red Wine & Coke)
Here's how to make a perfect kalimotxo (aka calimocho), a Spanish cocktail with red wine and coke! It's a quick way to beat a sangria craving.www.acouplecooks.com
Vino tinto.What are your favourtie items from a Pilgrim Menu?
Yes, I have learnt to really appreciate them!Padrón peppers, so much so that I know where to buy them in Dublin. Every now and again I get a handful. Tonight, quite a few of the handful were what I had heard they could turn out to be... eyes running, burning mouth - even my very toes are feeling the 'benefit'.
Igualmente!Vino tinto.
Mmm, especially with bacalaoHas anyone yet mentioned empanadas of Galicia? Apparently they are a specialty of the region. I enjoyed some for an early lunch in Palas do Rei and found it perfect pilgrim food!
These were mostly 20 - 30-something Spaniards. They were vomiting and otherwise evacuating themselves everywhere on the street, too. Not my idea of a good time.Urgggg! Heathens. And in a wine producing country!
But given the cost differential in Spain between wine and cola.
Maybe they were diluting their cola with wine ?
Thank you for this. I know from my exposure to regional pride that paella is truly part of Valencian culture and gastronomy.When eating paella do note that the government of Valencia, the region where paella originated, recently declared the authentic dish to be an item of cultural significance. Read more in this current article by Sam Jones in The Guardian.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...the-mediterranean-diet-given-protected-status
I'm not surprised drinking that!These were mostly 20 - 30-something Spaniards. They were vomiting and otherwise evacuating themselves everywhere on the street, too. Not my idea of a good time.
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