The Mighty OAK
In the name of impartiality, I feel it only right to declare my vested interest in this month’s restaurant review. Having proudly been a (minority) shareholder in La Sala Group for over a decade, I always feel a tad conflicted when I am asked to be constructive with my observations of the food offering for one of their new venues. La Sala Chairman, Ian Radford, launched Buddha Beach, (now known as La Sala by the Sea,) at exactly the same time as I took over the reins of this publication you now find before you. Much water has passed under our collective bridges since that time some 15 years ago, but here we both were, excitedly anticipating another magical Marbella summer season for our respective businesses.
As regular readers of my reviews will know, I am usually joined by members of the editorial team and our photographer. However, on this occasion my dining companions were Ian, his wife Claire and his mother in law Mandy accompanied by her long time beau and all round “happy soul” Mike. This was going to be a walk in the park!
Prior to being shown to our table, I was introduced to countless fellow foodies, all eagerly awaiting their culinary treat. To most people and business owners this would be seen as an opportunity to network and self promote, but not for this person! As a long term, socially awkward individual, preferring plants to people, I occasionally attempt to mask my contempt of inane conversation by getting involved with as much alcohol consumption as is deemed acceptable (by me) as quickly as possible. After which time I tend to talk and behave in ways unbecoming of a local publisher. However, between the former and latter, there is normally a medium sized window, where I am apparently both charming and comprehensible. Unfortunately on this occasion, an all too early dalliance with a pink marshmallow cocktail creation, with Heineken chasers, rendered this window a little smaller than its usual size. Note to self… eat fast, talk slow and no one will notice. Fortunately for me, our constant toasting of everything from the future success of the restaurant to Mike’s momentous achievement of reaching 63 years of age without ever having a job (no wonder he’s happy!) meant that I was not alone in talking tosh. Mandy had also been significantly intoxicated (literally) by the potential delights of the pink potion and was on her third glass! Where has she been all of my life? Rather than risk the increasing likelihood of mispronouncing my meal choices I deferred to the chef’s selections.
Much needed sustenance began to arrive in the shape of an organic tomato salad, paired with creamy Burrata, accompanied by a delicately spiced Peruvian cerviche of sea bass, mango and avocado. Copious amounts of smoked salmon rosettes decorated with fresh capers and lemon appeared and disappeared swiftly, before the arrival of a time honoured Basque delicacy in the form of grilled “chistora,” (chorizo sausage.) If you have never sampled this dish it’s worth the visit alone.
With some alcohol now safely soaked up, I rejoined the mealtime musings in time to welcome the main courses of a whole sea bass baked in salt, filleted and served at the table, delicious fresh white fish served with padron peppers which added some vibrant colour to the plate. I surmised that during a lifetime of enjoying the best food I could afford at any given time, that I had tried most dishes known to man, but I had no recollection of ever ordering or trying a Tomahawk steak. Unable to recall if this was to do with the size of the dish or on the advice of my dentist, I carefully sampled a few morsels of this huge almost prehistoric looking juicy rib before moving on to a softer offering of a selection of home cooked deserts. This included my absolute all time favourite of delicately flambéed Grand Marnier soufflé. A visual delight, which was still lingering on the palette as I thanked my hosts and headed for the taxi rank… some of us have to work tomorrow, Mike
Oak Firehouse & Cocktail
T. 951 31 94 11
oakmarbella.com
@oakmarbella