Ventas - The only places to eat in Spain

I remember many years ago when "ventas" were extremely cheap places to eat and you got served some impressive portions of wholesome Spanish food. "Ventas" are basically restaurants that you find on the side of the road, usually in the middle of nowhere.

These days venta owners are after tourist money and prices are not quite what they used to be. However, today we found a brilliant one (recommended to us by a Spanish friend). It's called Venta San Juan and is litterally at the entrance to the small town of Jubrique (from the Gaucin end). This venta is stunning. Most of the food is cooked on a wood-burning stove and the portions of food (generally local meats) are huge and very tastey! The surroundings, the food, the service, everything was excellent. And best of all, a meal for the 4 of us, including starters, main course, deserts and drinks came to just 50 Euros!

It really is a little treasure of a place. It's a bit of a drive to get there and the roads are very windy, but it's a great drive, stunning views and a great meal at the end of it!

We're on the hunt to try out some more of the old-style ventas....we'll report back soon!