Es Verger - Alaro - hilltop restauraunt that was on TV?

[mearsy]

I've been trying to recall a certain restauraunt that was on a series about Mallorca that was presented by Julia Swahalia's (sp?!) sister. The programmed followed a bloke that had moved to Mallorca from the UK and he had planned a special lunch for his family at this special hill top restauraunt. He was a bit of a character and the drive was quite entertaining and hair raising if I remember right. The thing that was special about this place was the lamb dish, I have a feeling it's in Alaro?

I'd quite like to find this place when we go to PP on saturday

 

[pollensa]

It's probably 'es verger' which is on the way up to Alaro Castle. A lot of people drive up there - quite hair raising - park & walk/climb up to the castle & then return for the meal. We just had the meal! Yes it's wonderful & you must have the lamb. It's very rustic & you just find yourself a seat wherever you can as it gets very busy.

most of the guide books have some basic directions. If you have a map you should see Castel d'Alaro marked.

 

[mearsy]

Thankyou, I have read about it in my rough guide and thought that was the one.

 

[Gommar Goffer]

Hi Mearsy - we found the place at Easter this year by accident - followed the signs to the castell. Hair-raising drive up but nothing to the drive we took to Cabo de Formentor when the visibility through the cloud cover was less than 20 yards!!! Couldn't see the sides of the road!

The restaurant below the castell is very rustic and we did not try it but it was packed to the rafters with locals.

 

[Jimbo the Jambo]

mearsy,

I saw the programme. The guy was "Leapy Lee" an old pop singer from nineteen oatcake, (the seventies probably),

regards,

jimbo

 

[Lala70w]

Yep - "Leapy" had a hit with "Little Arrows" - truly dreadful imo - in fact he seemed to yodel through it! ("oh oh oh the pain....") One of mother's favourites!:\

 

[carl1955]

lala, just for your Mum

ok folks after 3
1
2
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iOg7P_GUWU

Carl

 

[Jimbo the Jambo]

carl,

Thanks for that ..brought back memories, some even good.aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

cheers,

jimbo

 

[Lala70w]

Thanks Carl!

Not as bad as I remembered - WORSE!!! LOL!

Lala :rollin

 

[gina39uk]

Hello Guys!

As you may have guessed I'm more a reader than a poster but I feel I really must come to the defense of my old friend Leapy Lee! For those of you who are old enough to remember, many a happy night was spent in my Music Bar/Hostal thanks to Leapy! For several years Leapy appeared there 2 nights a week throughout the summer and was so popular that people used to come into the bar BEFORE they went into their dinner (at the Flora & surrounding apts) & leave coats on the seats to reserve their places! The kids loved him as well as the parents & a great time was had by all!

I believe Leapy is still going strong in the Palma area & long may he do so. They don't make artists like him anymore!
What great memories!

Gina (also still going strong!)

 

[pollensa]

OK guys,

do discuss Leapy Lee in the Tapas Bar (or in a separate thread) - but please keep this thread on Es Verger restaurant.

Thanks Webmaster.

 

[sandradee]

Well we decided to go to Alaro to the restaurant up the hill - 2 adults and son and his girlfriend. The drive up was very exciting?? just hoped we did not meet anyone coming down. Once we arrived all got out of the car (but couple of us felt a bit unsteady), so we decided to have a drink they go on to Palma.

Husband insists that we go back there (on our own), after watching Rick Stein - very interesting.

Beautiful views and so very quiet.

loved it and have to go back for another look see.

Sandradee

 

[Belladonna]

Saw this a year ago on tv. Its a restaurant behind old barn like doors isnt it? Evidently they cook lamb to die for. We are going to try and find it next month, but will perhaps take travel sickness tablets for the drive up!!

 

[sandradee]

yes, definitely the place for lamb meal. Most people walk up to the castle then head back down for the meal of lamb. Definitely a must try place. Noticed they sold liquor - must make sure hubby does not have any - else the drive down will be very interesting.

It is certainly a place to go to.

Sandradee

 

[sandy]

Hi Sandradee

What time of year did you visit? I'd heard a lot about this place (is it Es Verger?). We go out to PP every couple of months, but didn't want to make the trek then find it was closed! Anyone know if its open all year round?

 

[sandradee]

Hi Sandy

We were there early October - don't know if open all year round. Yes, it is Es Verger. The drive up is a single track road (there are some pull ins but you need to keep you wits about you).

We are back in Pollensa (town this time) in May for 2 weeks - so hope to go sometime then.

Sandradee

 

[Belladonna]

Did the drive up and survived!! Only just though and dont think we will do it again! It is worse than any drive we have done on the island. VERY narrow road, steep, hardly any pull in places (luckily we only had to pull in once very near the top where it was slightly easier) and hair pin bends every two seconds - well it seemed like it!
Refused to have any sort of conversation on the way up incase it distracted hubby, and my hands were killing me from holding the seat and the door handle. Didnt even realise I was doing it till we stopped in the car park!
Passed quite a few walkers on the way up. Everyone attempts to get to the restaurant by 1PM when food is served.
Yes, it is worth it. The views are amazing and the restaurant is very atmospheric, like a converted barn with a log fire and a huge oven. The lamb, suckling pig and many other dishes are prepared out of sight unfortunately, then put into the oven from behind I think and pulled out one after another when ordered. you dont have to wait longer than 5 mins!
Wine is a little bit rough though!
Decided to do the walk from the restaurant up to the castle. Took about an hour. Wonderful scenery, bit of treck though. They are improving the church right at the very top, and there is a bar with food and water!!!! Amazing find! Donkeys bring everything up. But it is hit and miss as to whether its open, luckily for us it was when we got there as we had left the water in the car by the restaurant!!
Would I do it again! Not until Ive forgotten that drive up!!

 

[Lorenzo]

Yes, this is a lovely restaurant. We've been going there for years - believe me the road is much easier to contend with nowadays!
We went back last Autumn and noticed a sign saying that they were closed on Mondays - I just mention that in case anyone decides that is 'the day' for heading up there for the fabulous lamb. They also only take cash so be prepared - or you might end up washing up for a very long time
An old favourite to finish off a meal there was the 'flaming brandy' which came served in shallow earthenware dishes with slices of lemon in them. Really delicious! (none for the driver though!!) Enjoy!

 

[sandy]

Yes, I can vouch for the fact that they're closed Mondays! Too busy following directions to read the sign at the bottom of the road. After the usual horrendous drive up that bumpy potholed road (in a Smart car no less!!) only to find no sign of life! I'll just have to work up to doing it again in summer.

 

[Kezza66]

Es Verger

Went to Es Verger at Alaro in mid July.

It is exactly how pollensa describes it.

As a family we were delighted with the rustic charm and ambience and of course the succulent lamb.

Using some basic Spanish we had a chat with the very elderly lady who cooks the lamb as to how she does it and what she puts in it.

We went at lunchtime and the latter part of the journey up from Alaro is along a very twisty narrow "road" with few passing places but well worth the effort.

We headed for Alaro town centre and followed the pink "Castello de Alaro "signs