Krimo's Tropical Casa...

Hawaiian shirts, Latino and Salsa sounds... The last Wednesday of every month at Casa del Mar.
Tropicana North East is a group of music lovers who play around... yes, you've guessed it, the North East. They meet up at Casa one a month to rehearse, exchange ideas and prepare from their forthcoming gigs.

Last Wednesday was the first time they had their new colourful Hawaiian shirts on. The odd one out at the back, the drummer arrived late and was left with a medium shirt which was a bit too snug.
I watched them play "Oye como va!"and dreamed of playing the bongos with them, the Santana way.

Do tapas taste better when one listens to this kind of music?
Yes, they do!

Tapas to go...

Adam and his team have come up with this new concept for lunch on the hoof...
There are many call centres nearby and most of the workers usually grab a sarnie, fish and chips, a pizza, etc... from the numerous food outlets around the Marina.
So why not Tapas?
A couple of Albondigas, a few Patatas Bravas, a bit of salad, etc... and you've got an alternative lunch...
They are launching it this week. I'll keep you posted as to its success.
But don't hold your breath; new concepts need time to develop and become popular.
Watch this space

Mouth watering...

When I conceived Casa del Mar, I decided that it should be a place where diners would be transported back to whichever fantastic Mediterranean holiday they have just come home from.
The menu includes Greek salad, Spanish Paella, Algerian Sausages, etc...
The minted lamb draws from both North African and Spanish cuisines.


Just like with Pavlov's dog, smells and tastes never fail to ring a bell inside our memory.

One warm summer's evening back in the late eighties when I was still cooking at Seaton Carew, I walked across the road to my favourite seat by the paddling pool just as I always did before the evening service, to collect my thoughts and ready myself for the onslaught.
A couple of hundred yards down the sandy beach The North Sea felt peculiarly warm. Not warm enough for a late dip but it imparted a strong Mediterranean smell, a fishy smell, a smell I had only come across back in the tiny harbour where, as a youngster I went for evening walks with family and friends. A smell that conjured up many beautiful memories.
Suddenly, I was gasping for grilled sardines, simple olive oil and lemon dressing, a walk on a beach...


Whenever I see couples holding hands across a table at Casa del Mar, their eyes full of Rosé I know they are on a beach far, far away, listening to the gentle surf of a Mediterranean evening...

Gambas al Pil Pil

Fascinating how several Mediterranean countries serve similar dishes in many different guises.
One example is the dish of prawns with chili.
Portugal: Camarões com Piri-Piri
Spain: Gambas Pil-Pil
France: Crevettes au Piment
Italy: Gamberi al pepe
Algerian: Crevettes bil Felfel
The word Felfel is the common denominator. Arabic in origin it spread to Andalucia and the rest of Europe.

The Recipe:
10 peeled raw prawns
1 red chili
1 garlic clove, chopped
1tsp of paprika
Olive oil

Instructions:
Heat the oil in a frying pan. Saute the prawns for a couple of minutes, then add the garlic, paprika and chilli. Cook until the prawns turn pink. Place in a hot terracotta dish and serve immediately.

Salsa night at Casa...

Last night was our 6th salsa lesson at Casa. We were both tired after the busy Saturday night and a long session of DIY at our daughter's but we mustered the strength and went down to the Marina.

The first lesson was well on the way. Adam said that Sunday lunch went down very well. Casa is now serving traditional Beef dinners alongside the tapas. Second Sunday and it is going great.

After the hour-lesson we all sat down to a late supper. Karen had grilled vegetables, couscous salad and spicy king prawns. I had a steak and prawn fajita. Delicious.






















A very experienced dancer invited Adam to try a few salsa steps with her.























Most of the dance students are getting better. I am still struggling because I prefer free-style dancing rather than counting steps...

Salsa Lessons...

Last night we went to our fortnightly Salsa lesson at Casa del Mar. There were two one-hour lessons, the first one starting at 7.15pm. Once the first lot were finished they sat down to their meal and the second lot of dancers began their lesson.


Five lessons later and I am still struggling. I really thought I had rhythm. I just cannot count to 8 steps! Most of the other dancers have picked it up very well and are getting better with every lesson.

Later, after everyone had eaten, we all danced again for a little while. I stepped on a few toes, bruised a few arms as well as my ego.

The package is Meal and Lesson for £14.95 and is getting quite popular.