With the plethora of summer restaurant choices in vivacious Vejer it might feel like you can’t go wrong choosing a place to eat. Yet Corredera 55 restaurant stands out for its cuisine, service and quirky original style, writes Andrew Forbes @andrewaforbes
The sunset from the elegant, orange tree-lined paseo of Calle de las Corredera is not to be missed. West facing Cádiz province offers a seductive and alluring end to the day, and the promise of a wonderful evening.
Created by Ellie Cormie
Here on this street that hugs the edge of the town, at number 55, is the chic village restaurant by restaurateur and executive chef Ellie Cormié. In addition to the outside terrace pergola facing out over the rolling countryside, there are two interior dining rooms, creating sociable, relaxed spaces to enjoy a drink, tapa or slap up meal.
Arrive in the evening for that sunset and you’ll find votive candles are set on the al fresco tables, a privileged spot to enjoy a sundowner or a bottle of sparkling rosé cava, a very civilised way to take the edge off the day.
Opposite, a welcoming glow emerges from the restaurant, it’s interior embraces you with the warmth of vintage reclaimed wood, sparkling glass cabinets filled with local wines, and simply set farmhouse style tables. Ellie will more than likely be there to welcome you, her sparkling eyes and genuine smile immediately sets the tone for a relaxed evening of unpretentious yet refined dining and attentive, friendly service.
Eating Local
The tempting menu of fresh healthy dishes is easy to navigate; starting with tasty ‘mordiscos’, tasty bites that are perfect with an aperitive like a local dry fino or a chilled Barbadillo white wine. The croquettes of local retinto beef with prunes are a delight with the Pedro Ximenez dressing. Tempura langoustines are light, crisp and ridiculously moreish. The chupa chup lollipop chicken croquettes are a fun and appealing take on a traditional snack.
Larger sharing plates include a modern take on the classic fried calamari; and tempting vegetarian platters like aubergine with a spicy cumin sauce. A reference to Ellie’s Scottish roots is clear in one of the few dishes that’s not entirely local, the Haggis. But it’s perfectly pared with local ‘morcilla’ blood sausage and creamed potatoes with a dash of whisky.
Then choose a main dish from ‘The Sea’ or ‘The Land’. It’s one of those menus where it’s easy to find what you want. But then you struggle to decide as you want to order it all!
The red tuna is a local speciality and here it is elevated to a fine dining dish with three types of seaweed, ginger and lime seasoning and a wasabi ‘ice cream’.
The grilled octopus with ginger was super, also with a touch of ginger – highly recommended.
If you’re in the mood for meat, then the house burger uses locally sourced, highly prized retinto beef. Classic meatballs get a makeover with curry almond sauce but stealing the show was the rich and tender Iberian pork cheek, cooked with an extravagant almond sauce with local Oloroso sherry from Jerez.
Sea & Farm to Table
Dishes have genuine providence, using largely organic ingredients from the surrounding land and sea. Ellie’s field to fork approach supports small scale producers and local fishermen, whilst rewarding diners with layers of fresh flavours that showcase Andalucia homespun gastronomy.
Puddings are an essential part of a good meal – and certainly don’t skip them at Corredera 55! Homemade by head chef Maria del Mar Roman, they are light yet naughty – with fruity treats to indulgent cakes and even a hot banoffee crumble with caramel sauce.
At the end of the meal Ellie brought out a little after dinner treat, a Vejer orange wine! So rich, dark and flavoursome – the perfect little after dinner tipple and a great way to end an excellent meal.
Information
Restaurant Corredera 55
c/.Corredera 55, Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz 11150, Spain
Kitchen, Café & Bar open from 12.00 to 23.30 everyday
Tel: +34 956 451 848
Website: http://www.califavejer.com/restaurants-bars/corredera-55#_=_
