Venta La Choza

by Morris Bishop
(San Pedro de Alcantara)

Lunch at Venta La Choza March 2014

Some friends of ours took us to Venta La Choza, which is on the N340,200 m. beyond the round about to the Caseres road at km 146. Don’t be put off by the unprepossessing exterior of Venta La Choza because within, it is a different story. Seating about 120 in the ‘Sala Comer’, a further number in a private dinning room, and two bar areas, this place is like a Tardis, bigger inside than out.

Nicely decorated with water features at either end, they have been here since 1997 having expanded the seating area to over double the original some 8 years ago.

The family run RESTAURANT (for it is much more than a Venta) has Miguel, front of house, and brother Sergio, the Chef de cuisine.

My advice is that you fast all day before you attempt to tackle the very large portions that they serve. The comprehensive menu consists of all the old favorites, and then some.

We had French Onion Soup, Shell Fish Soup, a beautifully prepared Endives & Lettuce Heart Salad, and Sopa de Gazpacho for starters.

Mains, consisted of: Roast Leg of Suckling pig, John Dory with an Almond Sauce, Beef Stroganoff, and Fillet of Pork in a Pepper Sauce. I tasted most of the dishes and can confirmed that they were all delicious, save one. I prefer the traditional Gazpacho, not the Milky version that that was served, and with more than the chopped tomato, red, and green pepper that was my accompaniment, but additionally with chopped hard boiled egg, croutons, onion, and cucumber. (If anybody would like my recipe for Gazpacho, please email a request).

Info:
Plenty of off road parking. The are open every day, save Tuesday, for lunch and dinner. There is a lunch time Menu del Dia.
Average price of 3 course meal with wine 30€

Web site at www.ventalachoza.com (but there is only a picture of the entrance hall on it)

Reservations on 95289 0925 or reservalaschozasrest@hotmail.es

Bishlin marks out of 5:
Ambience (internal) 4 (external) 2
Food 4
Service 4
Value 4

We will return.