On my last night I treated myself to somewhere at the other end of the scale. Fine dining is so much better value in Spain than in the UK so I like to make the most of it while I can…
Restaurante Adolfo (Advanced A), 7 Calle Hombre de Palo, www.adolforestaurante.com
Adolfo is generally considered to be the best restaurant in town. I went for their tasting menu (€79 for nine turns) and their wine matching (€34 for five glasses). The grading peters off as I was chatting with the staff too much, apologies.
Things began well with a excellent glass of Oloroso 10RF from Osborne (A). I liked it so much I bought a few bottles on the internet when I got home.
Then a trio of starters;
Beet Jelly.
Cream of Pumpkin.
Ham & Cheese Bonbon.
With these came a very nice glass of Baldor Chardonnay (B+).
Then Green Asparagus and Langoustine.
With this, Alejairen; a pleasant white wine made with Airen grapes.
I struggled with the Pig’s Ear with a Blueberry Infusion and Passion Fruit if I’m honest. I can eat pig’s ear, it just needs to be thinly sliced.
This was matched with the house red; A Pago del Ama Cabernet 2011. It was at this point that the somellier Miguel Angel introduced himself to give me a display of his wine opening skills. Some of my professional chef friends think this is rather OTT but I like a bit of theatre with my food.
Then Scallop, Cockles and Manchego Ratatouille.
Next a fine Rioja called Vina Albina which Miguel Angel decanted for me.
After this, Pigeon with a Fiduea of Vegetables.
Then Hake, Quinoa and Seaweed.
The last main was Iberian Pig with Purple and Yellow Passion Fruit.
The first dessert was Cold Chocolate Cake.
A glass of Pedro Ximenez by Fernando Rey De Castilla went well with this.
After this, the Caramel Ball and Fragrancy of Tiramisu was quite a sight and very satisfying to break.
Being the beast that I am, I couldn’t resist following up with a couple of brandies. First a Larios 1866 which Miguel Angel provided another superlative demonstration for, and then a new one for me called Conde de Garvey which was okay (B).
Miguel Angel felt some blue cheese would go well with this which it did.
And finally a box with some chocolates and marzipan finished things off.
So, quite a blowout! If you want a luxurious dining experience, then come to Adolfo!
That was the end of my four days in Toledo. I left plenty to do for next time so I feel like I’ve really only scratched the surface of this ancient city.