The 5th and 6th of January are very important days around some parts of the world, especially in Spain! I have spent many years being part of the excitement and hustle and bustle inside El Corte Inglés in both Madrid and Mallorca, shopping for gifts to exchange on the 6th of January, known as ‘Día de Los Reyes’ ‘Kings Day’.
Standing in the crowds on the 5th of January, witnessing the famous ‘Cabalgata de Los Reyes Magos’ (the 3 kings parade) is magical!! Even for adults! Sweets are thrown to the children waiting for a glimpse of the 3 Kings, then they rush home for an early night, and wake up the next day to all their presents from the Kings.
This year, I spent Kings Day in the U.K, so wanting to feel in the Spanish mood, I decided to take my Dad for a Spanish lunch at the incredible Lunya, on Hanover Street in Liverpool. What an experience for anyone who wants outstanding Spanish cuisine, great service and staff, and a wine list to die for!! I could have spent the whole day and night doing wine flights with different tapas and desserts.
You will all know what I mean when I say ‘tapas’ in the UK are never like what you get in Spain. Well, I have been proven wrong. This Catalan deli, restaurant, and bar, offers the most incredible selection of Catalan and Spanish culinary delights across the UK and further afield. As soon as I saw the hanging hams, I got a good feeling, and when I was greeted by the talented and knowledgeable owner Peter Kinsella himself, I knew I was in for an unforgettable treat! Peter shares the same passion as I do, for all things food, wine, and culture. A fascinating and inspirational story behind the business which both Peter and his wife Elaine have successfully set-up.
What’s in my wine glass?
So, what did I order?!! A lot! Let’s talk wine, I started on their award-winning Cava- Loxarel Saniger Brut Reserva. Then I chose a ‘vino tinto’ I chose this red wine because of the name ‘Fancy Pants Old Vine Garnacha D.O Cariñena’. What a red! Bold, jammy, juicy, and complex. I then finished on a sweet style sherry called Noé which is a 30-year-old Pedro Ximenez. Rich, nutty, and luscious on the finish.
…And on my plate?!
What food could I possibly pair with these delightful wines? Well, I ordered quite a selection. We started on the mixed olives and encurtidos, the Catalan tomato bread, and Serrano ham. Swiftly I dived into the Dirty Bravas, Gambas Pil Pil, Chestnut mushrooms, Pan-fried Broccoli, and last but not least the Calamari. This Calamari is by far the most delicious and fresh I have tasted in the UK. So much so, I had to ask the source, should have known- WardsFish – Wards Fish Online supply them. The finest fishmonger, game, and poultry specialist in town!
What to pair with a sweet style Sherry?
To bring this fine experience to an end, and more importantly to pair with my 30-year-old Noé Pedro Ximenez Sherry, I ordered the Almond cake and ice-cream. Yes, my mouth is watering just thinking about it! You can even see the legs on the photo.
I will be visiting Lunya again soon, it’s a dose of Spanish therapy for me! I even bought some cheese and wine from the Deli. If you are looking to recreate some memorable Spanish food and wine moments, go to Lunya Liverpool – Lunya. The staff are exceptional too! For now ‘adiós’, and if you love all things wine and food, follow me Laura | Wine Communicator| Owner @lingovino (@lingovino) • Instagram photos and videos on all social media for more content and experiences.
Next Blog will be live in 2 weeks!