The scenery driving into Spain ...
Since we are so close to Spain, we decided to check out another place on the Costa Brava .
"Roses" is a commune in Catalonia Spain located on the coast.
It is an important fishing port and tourist centre.
We did not feel like being tourists today as we didn't want to do any tours, visit any museums or any other cultural sites.
We just strolled throughout the town and along the palm tree lined beach promenade.
It was the perfect day ... clear blue sunny skies and warm sea breezes.
When you peeked down the narrow lanes you could catch a glimpse of the sea, but your timing had to be right or the view was obstructed by a passing car ... Like this! Ugh!
The route we travelled about 62 kilometers.
See how blue the sky and water are!
There were many choices of restaurants, bodegas, tapas bars from which we could choose as today's lunch spot ... but we wanted to be by the water.
L'Estrop is located on the main road that runs along the beach.
Av. de Rhode 149, Roses
tel: (34) 972256007
We sat at one of the outdoor tables (which also had the linen tablecloths & napkins) a great spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch with great views of the sea and people watching.
"Señor Honey" (when in Spain there is a name change, he is no longer "Monsieur Honey") ordered some "Rosada" a Spanish rose wine. We were served some bread, olives and olive oil.
The wine was perfectly chilled, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot!
We are going to look for it in the stores.
Marta explained the olive oil was from her father's olive grove ... His picture is on the bottle label and later we saw him in person as he entered the business premises.
The olive oil was delicious.
We finally decided on what we would eat ... seafood, of course!
Perfectly fried calamari with lemon and aioli dip ... (Calamars fregits)
Sadly for our son, Michael ... today there were no sardines! ... only he will know what we are talking about!
All was so delicious and fresh!
If you find yourself in Roses, Spain ... I would highly recommend L'Estrop.
Marta was fluent in Spanish, French and spoke "English" very well. This restaurant L'Estrop, the tapas bar L'Escalam and El Cine apartments is a family business.
Gracias, Merci, Thank you Marta for making our day in Roses so enjoyable.
We will think of you when we enjoy the "Oli de L'Avi Pere" back at home in Canada.
Apartments peaked our interest and may be an option for another winter vacation.
Here are the websites for each ...
www.estrop.es
www.escalam.es
www.apartmentselcine.es
The view of L'Estrop Restaurant from the beach ...
After we strolled along the beach promenade ...
Our afternoon stroll on the beach deserved an ice cream treat ...
Oh yes it was so good!
A melancholy moment ... thinking about the Grandkids!
A most wonderful "Day of Wine and "Roses"!
