Chef-owner Joe Wright and his wife Robyn headed on their annual pilgrimage to Spain, all in aid of research of course… The food journey began in Barcelona then on to Tarragona for the freshest seafood, Valencia for amazing rice dishes, Cuenca and finally hearty stew and offal in Madrid for NYE.

Here are Joe’s food tour highlights:

Tarragona

– La Botiga – We ate a delicious salt cod and tomato salad ‘esqueixada’ and a super tasty seafood romesco stew, a speciality of Tarragona.

– Barquet – The squid and artichoke rice was amazing. Worth the trip just for that!

Valencia

– La riua – We dined on a traditional Paella Valenciana, real comfort food.

– We nibbled our way around the central market, with a tapas pit stop at Central Bar.

Cuenca

– El Bodegon – We tried Zarajo de Cuenca (Google it) amongst many other plates of tasty tapas.

– Asador de Antonio – We had roast suckling pig a real feast!

Madrid

– Casa Alberto – A real old school super busy bar, packed from wall to wall which served all the classics; Tortilla, Jamon, Croquetas, Manchego.

– La Casa Del Abuelo – Famous for their Gambas al Ajillo (garlic prawns) and deservedly so.

– Bodega de la Ardosa – Another packed tapas bar with a great atmosphere, we had some very memorable artichokes a la plancha, Anchovies, Salmorejo, Brandada and one of the best tortillas I’ve ever had.

You can look forward to plenty of new dishes in the coming months. Currently, the blackboard special at Porta Salford is inspired by Bodega de la Ardosa – artichokes a la plancha with an anchovy, parsley and garlic dressing… delicious!

Check out Joe’s Instagram for more foodie pics.
Buenas Noches x