MEMORIES OF THE 70’S
24
JULY 2023
ROQ U E TA C E LE BR ATES 50 YE ARS
RESTAURANTS STILL IN BUSINESS SINCE 1973! I think it must be regarded as a tribute to the character and tenacity of many families on the island that, despite all the numerous upheavals over the years, whether it be economic, political or pandemic-related, we were still able to track down a very good selection of restaurants which have withstood the storms and upheavals, the doom and gloom, and stood the test of time and tenacity by still opening their doors to us in 2023! We wanted to highlight these stalwarts, specially to mark the fact that our ROQUETA MAGAZINE is 50 this year, so let’s celebrate this by enjoying a meal or three in some of these venerable establishments. We have been reasonably liberal in our selection, and I am sure there are omissions, so please feel free to let us know of any we have missed. The basic criteria here is that the restaurant must still carry the same name and be in the same ownership or family. Some have had a few hiccups along the past half century (haven’t we all!). Special congratulations to those who have not only updated their decor and facilities but also embraced a more modern and innovative approach to their menus. Let’s hope they will survive another 50 years and beyond. We have included a few which may not still be in the same family but which have a historical interest.
HERE THEY ARE: MAHON AREA C’an Nito La Marina is located at the bottom of the steps down through the winding road and handy for the new lift. It is a classic, said to be the oldest restaurant in the Port of Mahón. Mario and his daughter Sonia are the third and fourth generation at the helm of the business whose beginnings date back to 1885. Especially beloved of Menorquins of the “old school”! No fripperies to attract tourists, but a great selection of fresh fish and meat, cooked in a traditional way. C’an Pota, Portal del Mar 11, is located at the top of the aforementioned steps, on the corner overlooking the fish market. Founded in 1881 is has great food, great service, excellent Menu del Dia. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it! El Trueno a great pit stop if you are shopping in the main market. It’s in the corner by the fruit and veg, but also has outdoor tables overlooking the port. A real stalwart this. In 1892 grandfather Bernat , who also owned an inn in Plaça Reial, opened the place as a bar. In those days, merchants and peasants went there to sell produce, sealing the deal with a coffee. There, they started conversations, referred to as “fer el trò” which, some say is how the business got its name. His son José and his grandsons, Pito and Bernat took over the business until 1995 when they retired. It then passed into the hands of José Bonet, a hospitality professional, who brought the business up to date and renamed it “Bar Sa Plaça”. From the beginning of 2018, it passed into the hands of the current owners who unanimously decided to recover the name by which many older people in Menorca still know the cafe, “el Trueno”. Es Dineret (Bar Nou), Carrer Nou number 1 opened in 1854. It became the home of the Casino de los Menestrales, which moved to this location in 1889. The name apparently came from the owner Juan Deyá who was known as Dineret, a nickname given because he demanded the payment of a dime, or dineret, from his nocturnal clients. This was supposedly used to pay for the oil to light the room, allowing them to prolong the evening. Check out their “Seven rules of life”! Good advice!
Sa Lliga (traditionally linked to the Club Marítimo) on the Mahon waterfront has been keeping sailors fed and watered over many a year. It is a great place to watch the larger yachts and their comings and goings, whilst one Googles the eye-watering weekly charter fees! Tom who works in the bar is especially proud of his beautifully presented café con leches. There are some great breakfasts available but ask for your egg to be cooked if you don’t like it translucent. Sa Granja, right in the town centre. Those who like an early breakfast (with or without a “ginet” or cognac) will find this served from around 0700, to sustain the workers in this traditional manner! It’s in Calle Rosario 51. La Murada, Plaza Bastión 12, is considered by locals to be one of the oldest tapas places in the city. It owes its name to its ancient location inside the Bastion or Wall that the Arabs built to defend the city in the 14th century. The bar, from the early 1900s, was reinstalled in its current location at the end of the 40s. Little remains of the ancient walls which surrounded and protected the original much smaller city of Mahon, but the one remaining arch is quite spectacular. Can Avelino (“Tapes”) is still in the same family, but with a very modern take on Tapas for sharing (actually “raciones”). Great value for money and some unusual and delicious offerings. Casino Sant Climent. Celebrating its 85th year! On the main road opposite the square with the church. Something for everyone on offer here, with a covered terrace and plenty of indoor seating. A great meeting place, always popular. The much-improved village car park is a great asset too.
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
