Discover Benelux | North Holland | Haarlem Highlights
Flavours of Spain TEXT: CHARLOTTE VAN HEK | PHOTOS: EL PINCHO
A wise person once said that happiness is only real when shared. This is certainly true at El Pincho – a warm restaurant in the heart of Haarlem where happiness takes the form of the freshest Spanish tapas. From ‘costilla de Cerdo’ to ‘almejas a la marinera’, or ‘pimientos padrón’, El Pincho’s menu can come as a bit of a surprise to some. Madrid-born chef Emilio has hidden the best part of his Spanish roots into the menu, and that is something you taste. “If something is not fresh, it does not enter Emilio’s kitchen,” begins owner Paul van der Werff. “Spanish cuisine is known for its pure and honest dishes, made using fresh ingredients.” El Pincho serves tapas for every palate, from the smaller vegetarian plates to ‘rabo de toro’ (braised oxtail with pepper and onion). The Tapa del Día (Tapas of the Day) is truly a surprise: a weekly changing dish, depending on what chef Emilio is making that day. 46 | Issue 40 | April 2017
Alongside the menu, it is El Pincho’s atmosphere that immerses you in the warm south. The vivacious sounds, the bustling Mediterranean music and the colourful art on the wall quickly make you forget any daily worries. The art is created by in-house artist and interior stylist Priscilla Platt, who also gave the restaurant a complete revamp in January. The worst part of going out for dinner might be having to head home afterwards. Not at El Pincho: its very own B&B is located right above the restaurant, so it is just a short stroll away from a comfortable bed. Not yet tired? Fear not, as the B&B’s luxurious facilities provide you with plenty of opportunities to continue your night. Of course, you can always extend the evening by strolling through Haarlem. El Pincho is located on the city’s beautiful Riviervismarkt, which in summer is the backdrop for the restaurant’s own terrace. But above the tapas, art, and B&B, there is El Pincho’s hospitality. “Guests truly feel
at home with us: it is their night,” Van der Werff concludes. “We always say that our guests leave El Pincho dancing!”
For more information, please visit: www.elpincho.nl www.hoezokunst.com www.cityattichaarlem.nl