After a recent hard morning in Vera, it was decided that lunch would be a good idea. Feeling hungry, we decided upon visiting Hotel Restaurante “La Brasa”, just next to the Galasa offices, acting upon a recommendation from Mr J. After a hard afternoons band practice, Mr J and friends enjoy stuffing their faces there. So, off we went.
It’s a nice new building, smart entrance and, of course, lots of car parking. In case you don’t know where it is, it’s just in front of the Vera to Garrucha bypass, next to Galasa, just down the road from the Vera Antas industrial park.
The main restaurant is divided into two, a front bar & restaurant and a large secondary room full of tables. As we arrived (13.30), the place was empty with the exception of two elderly chappies having a drink on a table outside. We were ushered to a small table in the corner, and sat there wondering why, with so many tables, we had to sit on such a small one. Reason being, that by 14.00 the place was packed. For good reason.
The menu del dia (read off a scrap of paper, although later on somebody printed off a copy and handed it round) is fantastic value at 9.80€ p.p., three courses plus a salad, coffee and a drink. I had the Guadalajara de Cerdo (tasty pork ribs with pan fried sweet potato chips and pepper), B had the Cocido Madrileno (somewhat watery yet full of ingredients. More like an overactive minestrone than a cocido).
For seconds, I had the pork chops, B. had the lamb chops. Both succulent, tasty, well cooked. In fact, I’ve had a lot of pork chops that weren’t as succulent and have cost more than 9.80€. A few chips and pan fried peppers completed the dishes.
Two flans (homemade, with cream, as they should be!), and two quite decent coffees finished off the meal, and we were sated.
Admittedly, B while trying to spear a tomato sent quite a bit of lettuce over the shirt of the chap sitting next to us, but he took it in good spirit and didn’t sue. Always a bonus.
We also noticed a large wood grill in the corner where, according to Mr J, they grill some pretty mean steaks in the evening. This is something that I have to look into, and shall report back in the not too distant future.
Now, don’t go here for lunch if you can’t follow a basic menu in Spanish. But, if you are able to nod when you hear something you like, don’t mind waving frantically at a waiter for attention, and don’t mind bumping elbows with your neighbors (although London restaurants give you less space per person), give it a try. Just don’t go between 13.40 and 14.40 as that’s when they get about a hundred local workers in for lunch. Invest there? I’d write a cheque tomorrow!
Hotel Restaurante La Brasa
El Real de Vera, s/n, 04320 Vera.
Tlf 950 390753.
(Closed Sundays).
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