If you are looking for a special but typically unique Spanish restaurant “olde worlde” in a fantastic location, read on. So many Spanish restaurants have now lost what everyone expects from a typical Spanish country restaurant, but not Verdi Vent.
It took the husband and wife of the team of Loretta and Stephen (who are German and Belgian respectively) to recognize it about 11 years ago, and who turned a 300-year-old half-abandoned Spanish house into probably the most successful and memorable dining experience that can be found where please on the Costa Blanca - and it is not worth a fortune!
Come with me in one of the most beautiful journeys of the Valencian region to the Jalon Valley and the small typical Spanish city of Jalon / Halo (yes, like many cities in the Valencia region, the city has 2 names - normal Spanish and another Valenciano). the road in the direction of Bernia and its mountain range. The scenery is pretty exciting, and falling to one side is a bit scary (if you decide to look at the edge!). After about 7 kilometers we reach the small village of Maserof with several very old objects - the first of which is now a museum of the country (whose history itself is a fascinating story - perhaps I will tell you about it again). This area is rural with a capital of R. No water or electricity. But do not postpone!
Almost next door you can pass this building without a second glance, except for a small insignificant sign saying “Verd i Vent”, it looks like a very old, not very attractive house. The park in front of the building avoids the cliffs and climbs the steep steps with a chain rail and enters a rather fragile doorway. You are immediately transported on time. This redesigned gantry house retains many of its original features. When your eyes are accustomed to darkness, there are barrels of wine; open stone walls; barrels supported on beams sticking out of the wall, apparently, with time for storing wine and olive oil; hooks in old walls for tying animals; open fire in the hot months with a small pot of warm potatoes and herb salad; original terracotta floors; Gallery of minstrels, where the farmer and his family slept. It takes you decades to come, and you wonder how life was then ...
Being warmly welcomed by Loretta and shown on your table in one of several separate separate canteens, you will find that there is no menu as such - just an interesting 5-course meal that follows the same format every day with some variations. The only choice is the main course, where you can have a local shoulder or leg of lamb, usually with herbs and honey from the surrounding mountains cooked in the oven, or a choice of other excellent main course dishes, which change regularly. On your table there will be a bowl of peanuts in their shell plus large decanters of local Jalon red wine, which are automatically filled by attentive staff when they are empty - everything is included in the set price.
Without washing to spoil the pleasure of feeling this great food, a typical dish would be a warm potato and herbal salad with local village bread; a large terrine of excellent homemade vegetable soup for you to serve yourself as many times as you wish; interesting mixed salad and dressing that changes regularly; roast lamb shoulder in herbs with vegetables; Crepe with marmalade sauce and, of course, as much red wine as you want. To finish, have a complimentary glass of sweet Muscatel sweet dessert wine, also local. Coffee and mineral water in addition. This superb meal will cost you only about 17 € per head - really good value for everyone.
But before we leave another nice touch that adds to the atmosphere - a great Spanish singing guitar duo, originating from Colombia, who wanders in a restaurant, playing and singing a wide range of Spanish music (and accepting requests).
If you are looking for a luxurious, chic, modern restaurant, then this is not for you. However, if you are that excellent, high-quality rural food and wine in an environment that will take you a century or two, then this is the place for you.
Homemade products are sold, and local artists display their works of art for sale.
Open all year for lunch only. Closed on Tuesdays. This year they also opened for the first time several evenings in July and August.
Verdi Vent is only inland from Javea, Moraira, Calpe and Denia. The area is great for walking or just overlooking; an interesting donkey sanctuary is located next to many rare donkey breeds; The country museum is almost next door; On Saturdays, the famous raster market spreads along the river bank near the nearby Dzhalon.
This restaurant is a must for those who visit this part.
The cost of all-inclusive meals is about 17 euros. Book well in advance to reserve a table (and only have breakfast before leaving!).
Phone number (+34) 96 597 3413.
