Menorca will be declared a European Region of Gastronomy in 2022
Menorca is an island of contrasts, with a very different personality. And it is also, for many, the island of calm . Located in the middle of Mediterranean western, sculpted by the north winds and the sea, treasures a unique natural heritage and an extraordinary legacy of the various cultures that have settled here, dating back more than four thousand years of history. **
Menorca is a place that leaves no one indifferent. The powerful attraction it exerts on those with the sensitivity to grasp its qualities manages to leave a mark forever. A connection that doesn't always work with the outsider; the local mantra of little by little does not apply to everyone . I always tell my friends that Minorca is infinite.
To appreciate it, it is necessary to stop and value the small details. You have to discover it little by little. In the essence of these nuances we find the richness of this magical and unique place: a century-old turtle in the middle of a path, the Martian surroundings of Punta Nati , the golden of the vinaigrette in spring, the ten thousand kilometers of dry wall that chisel, stone by stone, the paths...
The words that the French and English forgot in the local dialect, the skies at any hour, the talaiots that cross the road , the rock that borders my favorite beach, the seven lighthouses, the children running around Alcaufar...
The ochres of the twilight in Ciutadella , every inch of the bay of mahon , the Tramuntana wind, some of its seven hundred types of mushrooms, the facade of the Main Theater -the oldest opera house in Europe-, the sunset in Pont D'en Gil , the walk through Limes Fons and the excursion through the **Cami de Cavalls. **
And also the education of Menorcans and their amazing range of hobbies, from the performing arts and slingshot shooting to light aircraft flying and horse riding. Most of the territory of **Sa Roqueta has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. **
Starting like this in Menorca is a great success
The landscape reflects the harmony in which human use and the natural environment have coexisted, especially in agriculture, livestock and fishing. A) Yes, in 2022 Menorca will be the European Region of Gastronomy , an acknowledgment of his cooking culture , based on the heritage of those who have inhabited it and the result of the agrarian and marine wisdom of local artisans , in addition to the richness of the seasons and nature.
These factors have led to a recipe book full of captivating harmonies, of unquestionable pedigree, taste memory, omnivorous voracity of references available to the diner. A gastronomy with an enormous past , better present and splendid projection of the future: Menorca never had such a level of chefs. little by little
HOW TO GET
Balearia
You can comfortably travel by ferry 200 km that separate Barcelona from Mahón.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Can Faustino
16th century palace Relais & Châteaux , with 24 rooms , idyllic patio and pool.
Fontenille Minorca
Project of eco-sustainable agrotourism rushed by Frederic Biousse -co-founder of Sandro, Maje and Claude Pierlot- and Guillaume Foucher, art dealer, in two beautiful estates.
Experimental Menorca
Dorothèe Meilichzon signs the photogenic rehabilitation of this rural-chic mansion and the nine adjoining villages.
Experimental Menorca
Torralbenc
One of the great hotels in our country. With the Small Luxury Hotels of the World seal and discreet luxury as a flag.
WHERE TO EAT (by Matoses)
Sa Pedrera des Pujol (Sant Lluís)
Tribute to the local tradition that praises the proximity product , the update of recipes and the cult of taste Kitchen of profound and elegant workmanship. Magnificent room and cellar.
Torralbenc (Alaior)
The Luis Loza's kitchen in one of the most beautiful hotels in the Mediterranean. Quality local product, combining sea and mountains, orchard and Mexican touches . Outstanding warehouse.
Binifadet (Sant Lluis)
The most important winery in Menorca and one of the most magical corners of the island. Terrace, dining room and wine bar directed by Óscar Poquet which are completed with a visit to the winery and vineyards.
Bread and Wine (Sant Lluís)
Beautiful country house in which Patrick James offers his Mediterranean cuisine , good-humored, attached to the terroir and that integrates influences from her country of origin, France.
Sa Llagosta (Fornells)
seafood tavern pilgrimage of the most battered palates to taste their Lobster stew. There is no other better than David of Coke : a canonical, honest, complex, clean stew.
Ses Salines (Fornells)
Informal version of Sa Llagosta on a terrace with spectacular views of the bay of Fornells . outstanding rice, fideuás and mussels.
Fancy a glass of wine in the moonlight? Visit Binifadet
Ca Na Marga (Fornells)
For the meat lovers. Different cuts and stitches, friendly prices, notorious winery and the treatment of a family focused on the client.
Es Cranc Pelut (Fornells)
Terrace on the seafront of Fornells. Asks caldereta, soupy rice dishes, mussels from Tramontana and the legendary octopus meatballs.
Ses Forquilles (Maó)
Marco Antonio and Oriol, cooks of race, apply their traveling knowledge to this tavern illustrated with good cellar. Also in the comfortable El Rais and the rustic Sant Joan de Binissaida.
Balearic Coffee (Ciutadella)
great selection of fish, rice, stews and seafood with praiseworthy execution points. Their own boat supplies them every day. **Notable cellar and room. **
Mon (Ciutadella)
Philip Llufriu masterfully integrates opposite ingredients and he creates dishes from the knowledge of the local pantry.
Smoix (Ciutadella)
miquel sanchez it is bold in the combination of ingredients and the conscientious selection of suppliers with the strict cadence of the season. cosmopolitan and lively , just like your Nopales taqueria.
Relays (Ciutadella)
The place where Joan Bagur reinterprets local cuisine with contemporary vision. Clean, tasty and addictive executions.
Tast of Na Silvia (Ciutadella)
Silvia Anglada is sensitive, detailed and seeks the essence of raw materials. In their harmonious ensembles the taste is not an accessory.
Ca Na Pilar (It's Migjorn Gran)
Victor Lidon practice academics with the Can Fabes seal in a cozy house with a terrace.
Clover (Limes Fonts)
Regulars come for their romantic location , the quality of their honestly executed seafood and the friendliness of the team.
THE NOTEBOOK OF CECILIA RENARD
WHERE TO STROLL
Minorca in Llaut
Without a doubt one of my favorite plans. Get where you can't on foot, see the island from the sea, sail... a tremendous wonder and a crew which is more than good people.
Bodegas Binifadet
Arrive at sunset, walk through its vineyards and visit its winery. Then you will want to stay dine under its vines, taste its wine and its food.
headlights
Both Cavallería and Punta Nati are two of the most beautiful places to see the sunset . Avoid going in August, because the crowds will cut the romantic vibe. The landscape when I reach each one of them drives me crazy... they are indescribable.
kayaking
A different beach plan. Go to Es Grau and rent a kayak or paddle surf to go to the llla d'en Colom . If you have more strength you can continue until the Coves of the Rambla Tower , with more than crystal clear water. All a dream.
SHOPPING
the chandlery
Is old candle shop It reminds me of my childhood and my mother. She was always looking for an occasion to go and now she happens to me. **The best selection of clothing and objects on the island. **
Site 23
If you walk through the beautiful Binibeca Vell fishing village -which you should-, make a stop at this clothing and accessories store.
Naguisa Store
The Catalan firm Naguisa has a beautiful multi-brand store in the Citadel old town. It is possible that you will find exposed some other photo of me.
OF CUPS
It's Cloister (Mahón)
As the name suggests, this bar and concert space is in the courtyard of the old cloister of Mahón . Good artists, music and atmosphere every summer night.
Hi wave (White Cove)
If what you want is a beachfront beach bar, you also have it. The richest cocktails on the island and the best views.
THE APPETIZER
life one (Moll de Llevant, 159 Maó)
Vermouths, appetizers and good, great music . Here you will find me with my friends and a cold beer looking at the sea.
Fish Market (Plaça del Carmen 5, Maó)
in the renewed Fish market , to taste wines, beers and local tapas in a very charming space.
Ulysses Bar (Plaça Libertad 22, Ciutadella)
In the market square, among several stores, this is a classic: Good wine and tapas to die for.
*This report was published in the number 140 of the Condé Nast Traveler Magazine (July and August). Subscribe to the printed edition (11 printed issues and a digital version for €24.75, by calling 902 53 55 57 or from our website). The issue of Condé Nast Traveler for July and August is available in ** its digital version to enjoy it on your preferred device. **