Ventas, a time-honoured winter tradition

Nov 16, 2021 Lifestyle

If you don’t know Spain that well you will most definitely have to be introduced to the concept of a venta, and if you are familiar with it, chances are it’s one of the things you love about this country. You see, a venta is a rustic restaurant usually found on the side of a country road.

 

Set at least a little distance from the nearest town, it generally offers convenient parking and a scenic setting, often with lovely views – and on the Costa del Sol this more often than not means vistas over rolling countryside, wooded hills and the sea. Occasionally, you will even see the characteristic outline of a white mountain village nestled upon a hillside, but country houses dotted against the rustic terrain are almost guaranteed.

 

Just the thing for a wintry day

On cloudy days just as on sunny ones, visiting a venta is a time-honoured tradition, and while you can do it anytime, the classic choice is for Sunday lunch. The simpler establishments are lively and rich in ambience, offering typical Andalusian dishes augmented by a daily list of specials that include hearty soups, stews, game and tapas. More refined restaurants will feature a similar kind of bar area as well as a dining room with more elegant country décor.

 

Some are very traditional, others a blend of modern and classical, but in this setting the focus is very much on meat, potatoes and vegetables, often from the surrounding country area. The dishes are traditional, but quite often prepared with modern flair and inspiration, and the cosy ambience – which can include a lit fireplace – is as much part of the enjoyment as getting together with friends and family in such a welcoming setting.

 

It is the perfect antidote to winter, as you tuck into lamb delicacies, fresh cheeses, fine wines, organic vegetables, stews and generous steaks, but the ‘venta season’ really starts in autumn and runs all the way to spring – and in summer we merely repeat an adapted version of this wonderful experience on shaded terraces with panoramic views.

 

You’ll find a venta whenever you venture inland from Fuengirola, Málaga, Marbella or Estepona, en route to country villages such as Coín, Monda, Ojén, Alhaurín, Benahavís, Gaucín and Casares. Enjoy!