Further to yesterday's post in which I talked about the dying tradition of the 'Sunday roast' I would like to talk about the Spanish tradition of eating a Sunday lunch. As you know, my second home is in rural Spain and I divide my time between Hampshire and Jacarilla, rather a dual existence........but one I love!
Yesterday I used the expression 'be home' which a mother had coined regarding her feelings about having her family 'home' on Sunday's. Nowadays in the fast paced cities in Spain people don't have the time for leisurely lunches or week day dinners anymore than us British. However, at the weekend they return to their origins, the Spanish people value the importance of gathering together with family and friends over a long and languorous comida (lunch) and on Sunday this is the day's main meal comprising of several courses.
Whenever we are due to go back to Spain I telephone my neighbour in advance to book us into the village restaurant for Sunday lunch. It's a case of book early to avoid disappointment as the local Spanish people will have their family tables reserved on a regular basis. Meson Pedro is a family run restaurant and the current proprietor was the baby in the above photo, the restaurant was previously owned by his father and probably his father before him.
I know I wax lyrical about the Spanish lifestyle, for which I make no apologies, but I love that the Spanish have held onto their origins. On Sunday morning I am always awakened to the sound of church bells calling the congregation to mass, Spain has been a committed Roman Catholic nation throughout modern times and many of the villagers don their Sunday best and go to Sunday morning mass.
After church Meson Pedro's is often full to capacity and thus begins a leisurely lunch. The first course is always a salad which is placed in the middle of the table for everyone to share.
The next course can sometimes be a cocido, a stew that consists of legumes, potatoes and meat in small quantities, every region has at least one version.
On my last visit my 'starter' was a mushroom pastry
The main course, meat or fish, comes with little in the way of vegetables, maybe some fried potatoes and a pepper garnish.
Next comes 'sobremesa' which literally means 'over the table' and refers to the art of conversation after a meal. Far from taking the last bite and wanting to leave, as unfortunately us impatient Brit's tend to, Spanish people often stay at the table savouring the company over drinks and coffee. It is quite touching to see children spellbound by the elderly recounting their youth, everyone participates in the conversations, which are often quite loud and animated, and there is never a smartphone or tablet computer in sight!
Sharing a meal with good friends in a fabulous restaurant........what could be better!
'Note on a door: out to lunch; if not back by five, out for dinner also!'
-unknown
Love Donna xxxxx
No comments:
Post a Comment