Little Geranium La Cala de Mijas

by Morris Bishop
(San Pedro de Alcantara)

Celebrity Michelin chef Steven Saunders has entertained and amazed us on UK TV programs such as Ready Steady Cook for many years, so when we discovered that he had opened a fine dining establishment along the coast at La Cala de Mijas, this had to go on the ‘To Try’ list. Open for just one year, the first problem was to get a booking! Eventually Michele emailed me with a first sitting slot at 7 o’clock, which we took, The restaurant has only 22 covers inside and a further 16 in the pedestrian walkway, though I suspect these are mostly used to marshal the second sitting customers. So lesson number one: book well in advance, because they have a full house for both sittings every day.

The nicely appointed room has very comfortable armchairs, The place settings, Cutlery, crystal and crockery are to a high standard, pleasant lighting and wall decorations, and although there is a bar, I doubt that it intended for the casual drinker. They must be very well organised in the kitchen for it is no bigger than a regular house kitchen and there are 4 chefs working in it.

Tibor our waiter explained the menu which consisted of an 8 course tasting dinner menu 65€ or with an appropriate wine for each course 110€. An a’la carte menu of 7 starters, and for mains a couple of fish dishes, 4 meat extravaganzas, and a vegetarian course. Although this sounds limited Steven changes the menu every month, but overriding this, just from reading the descriptions of each dish makes me salivate.

We chose to share a starter of Pan seared Foie Gras, after it was explained to us that this comes from northern Spain where they do not force feed the geese, accompanied by Apples Honey and Brioche. For mains, a slow roasted Duck Breast Confit Leg Ballotine Kumquats Honey and Chilli, and for me, Wild Venison with Redcurrant juices roasted Beetroot Garlic confit and vegetables, with each of the dishes came the appropriate, and most flavoursome gravy. A Chocolate surprise dessert with Cointreau marinated Blackberries in the bottom was a fitting end to an outstanding meal. The presentation was faultless, the flavour combination that chef Steven and his team creates are amazing, and the service was impeccable. Apropos this, Steven greets every diner on arrival and revisits each table as the courses are served to describes the dishes in detail.
This is a gastronomic experience not to be missed

The VS
Little Geranium can be found in Calle Ronda, which is immediately behind the town hall
From the high street walk down either side of the town hall to back. Street parking, hard to find (as a last resort there is a large free car park to the north of the central roundabout) 4 min. walk away. So lesson number two: allow 15 minuets to find a parking space.
Closed Sunday and Monday. Average 3 course with wine 60€. They have a lunch time service of Tapas and a lunch tasting menu 25€ which will be the subject of our next visit. Reservations on 952493602 and 722232274 or email Michele@thelittlegeranium.com See their menu’s at www.thelittlegeranium.com

Bishlin marks out of 5,

Ambience:5

Food:5

Service:5

Menu: 5

Value:5

O/A:5




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.


DATE: May 2016