El Potro Carretera de Istan

by morris Bishop
(san pedro de Alcantara)

Our return to the Costa after a very pleasant 3 months in the UK with the result of the referendum leaving us with uncertainty as to what the long term future for Britt’s in Spain will be. We look at the changes to the restaurant scene to find a gaggle of new openings, some that have disappeared, and the loss of a friend in Albert of Albert and Simon’s untimely passing away.

We are five handed to dine at El Potro that has been closed for over a decade. Opened for just 2 months. Manager Glenn tells of the ‘wreck of a place’ they found when first they embarked on its revival and of his ambition to expand the winter potential from the limited indoor 30 covers that they currently have by enclosing some of the 100 place al fresco area with glass curtain doors. The pleasant setting has a comfortable outdoor lounge and bar area overlooking the pool that is surrounded by a dozen or so tables and chairs. The main dining Patio seats 50 odd’ well spaced and comfortable, with some ancient trees and eclectic lighting to completing the décor.

The menu of 8 very tempting starters followed by a quartet of Tagliatelle, (2 of which look suitable for vegetarians) and 4 variations of salad. 5 fish and 6 meat for mains, 4 of which have as accompaniments chips and Salad, this seem to my mind less than exciting, and an option of Mushroom, Peppercorn, or Béarnaise sauce. My Steak Tartar had the right taste and was spiced to the degree that I requested it, but there was something lacking in the wet elements that made the texture more dry than it should be, and the crust had been stripped from the barely heated toast (on one side only) making it a less than a rigid thing to use for eating the tartar with! Others had scallops Carpaccio which, “lacked seasoning” and Harmony of Salmon Tartar and Sashimi that was great.

My main of Layered Sea bass and Spinach with mash potato and salad leaves, the fish was well cooked and generous but most of the promised mash was just boiled potato in the bottom of the dish however I did enjoy it, not withstanding that it would have been even better if an appropriate sauce was included in the dish. Others had 5 barbecued king prawns with mixed salad and the ‘baby potatoes’ on the menu turned out to be chips! - delicious, but yet again some Alioli sauce would have enhanced the pleasure, and Grilled red Tuna with mash potato and a pea and mint puree. And a Beef Steak with chips and salad that were both, quote ‘outstanding’

I am sure there are those that would say that what I have written here is nit picking, but those niggling little things, if corrected, would raise the experience to an other level. The service however of all the staff we came into contact with was exemplary, but perhaps Hungarian chef Ferri should goulash his flavours up a notch. However the presentation
of his dishes was very acceptable.

The VS
El Potro can be found just off the carratera de Istan which starts going west off of the N340 in the golden mile area of Marbella just after the Mosque exit. Look out for the El Potro sign on the left. They open for Lunch and dinner. Their days of rest are Monday and Tuesday, and they have a special Sunday lunch menu. Average 3 course meal with wine
45€.

Bishlin guide marks out of 5
Ambience: 4.5
Menu: 4
Food: 4
Service:5
Value:4
O/A: 4











Please mention to the restaurateur that the restaurant was recommended in the "MarbellaFamilyFun.com" Newsletter. To see even more reviews on the best restaurants in Marbella, check out The Bishlin Guide.